A middle-aged woman and her child were reportedly kidnapped in broad daylight at the Penoks Bus Stop on Friday morning. The brazen abduction occurred around 9 a.m. as commuters and bystanders watched in horror, with little they could do to intervene.
An eyewitness to the disturbing event, Ijeoma Ngene, recounted the traumatic experience. According to her, the woman was forcefully dragged into a black Toyota car by suspected kidnappers. “While the woman continued to cry for help, banging on the door, they drove away with her and the child, heading towards 9th Mile through the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. Our bus driver was so scared to drive after them, suspecting they may be armed,” she said.
The scene left many in shock and disbelief, with onlookers describing it as both disheartening and terrifying. The audacity of the criminals, operating in daylight and at such a busy location, has raised alarms about the growing insecurity in the area. Some bystanders revealed that the Penoks Bus Stop has become a regular target for kidnappers. They lamented the absence of security patrols and called on the authorities to take immediate action to protect citizens.
It was also recalled that in July, a similarly horrifying incident occurred at the same location. Three women were abducted at Pinox Bus Stop, but they later managed to escape from the kidnappers' camp at night. They were found around the 4-Corner area along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, miles away from the scene of their capture.
Residents of Trans Ekulu and frequent commuters are now urging the police and local security forces to tighten surveillance and increase patrols, especially at the vulnerable Penoks Bus Stop. The rising number of kidnapping cases in the area has heightened concerns, leaving many questioning their safety.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the Enugu State Police Command, and the whereabouts of the kidnapped woman and her child remain unknown. The community is on edge, hoping for swift intervention from the authorities and the safe return of the victims.
