Enugu community laments spate of kidnappings on Nsukka Road

Residents of Eke Kingdom in Udi Local Council of Enugu State have lamented the deplorable state of Nsukka Road, saying it allows kidnapping activities to thrive.

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Emeka Udeh, who spoke on behalf of the people, lamented that the Eke-Egede-Affa-Akpakwume-Nze road leading to Nsukka has become a hub of kidnapping and terrorist activities.

He said that despite its importance as the axis where goods and services enter the state from northern Nigeria, the road has remained deplorable.

In an open letter to Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, Udeh called on the governor to extend his ongoing rehabilitation project to the road.

He recalled that the road was constructed 14 years ago during the administration of former Governor Sullivan Chime.

“There are lots of potholes on the road starting from Eke town. The very bad nature of the road has made it a danger zone for the good people of Enugu State and a convenient environment for kidnappers. Evil happenings on the road have continued to make negative headlines. Lives are lost on a weekly basis due to kidnapping.

“Local vigilantes from the neighbouring communities and the security agencies have continued to do their best to ward off these bloodsucking demons, but they have continued to have their way, terrorising people, having successful kidnapping operations at any time of the day.”

He added: “One of the major reasons behind this terror is the deplorable nature of the road. The big potholes compel drivers to stop, and once vehicular movement is interrupted, people fall prey to kidnappers, who usually hang around.”