By BONIFACE AKARAH

A mother and her three sons have reportedly been abducted by suspected kidnappers while harvesting cassava on their family farmland in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The victims were identified as Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike Okeh, 14, Chukwuemeka Okeh and Chijioke Okeh. They were reportedly abducted on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

According to a report by journalist and Ambassador of Hope, Sam Otti, the incident occurred at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the route leading to Umualogo Village in Nkpologu community, which shares a boundary with Ugbene Ajima.

Otti said the woman and her children had gone to their family farmland to harvest cassava when they were allegedly seized and taken away by the suspected abductors.

The report described the incident as particularly troubling because it involved a mother and her children who had gone to the farm in search of their livelihood.

“The abduction raises disturbing questions about the safety of rural dwellers and the growing vulnerability of farmers, who can no longer venture into their farmlands without the fear of being attacked or kidnapped,” Otti said.

He expressed concern over the possibility that the abductors could be demanding ransom from the family, noting that the victims reportedly came from a rural farming background.

“If the motive behind the abduction is ransom, one is compelled to ask: How much can a struggling rural family, whose livelihood depends largely on subsistence farming, possibly afford to pay for the freedom of their loved ones?” he asked.

The report urged the Enugu State Government, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council, Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to deploy resources towards securing the immediate and safe release of the victims.

“The family must not be abandoned to its fate. Every possible effort must be made to ensure that these victims return home alive and unharmed,” Otti said.

He also expressed concern over the reported abduction of a 14-year-old child alongside his mother and brothers, describing the use of children as bargaining instruments by criminal elements as unacceptable.

The Incident has also renewed concerns over the safety of farmers and rural residents in parts of Enugu State, with Otti calling for urgent action to prevent farmlands and villages from becoming vulnerable to kidnappers.

The report appealed to the authorities to make the rescue of Bridget Okey and her three sons the immediate priority and ensure their safe return to their family.