Survivor Shares Harrowing Tale of Kidnapping and Human Trafficking Linked to Government Official
Byline: Investigative Report By Emmanuel Unanka
Introduction
In a shocking revelation, Mr. Amos Ify Iweka, a Nigerian citizen, has come
forward with a chilling account of his abduction and near-death experience at
the hands of human traffickers allegedly linked to a high-ranking government
official. This extraordinary tale of survival exposes the grim realities of
kidnapping, human trafficking in Nigeria, and the perilous intersections of
power and crime.
The Incident
According to Mr. Iweka, the ordeal began in December 2021 while traveling on a
night bus along the Abuja-Kogi route. All 18 passengers in the bus heading to
Abuja from the western region of Lagos were kidnapped at Ochadamu Anyigba-Itobe
area in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State on Monday, December 31st, at
approximately 3 a.m. This location is notorious as a hotspot for kidnappings.
The vehicle was intercepted by armed
men who abducted everyone onboard.
"I was kidnapped and sold to a government official," Mr. Iweka
recounted. "I later discovered he intended to use me for a ritual."
The victim was transported to a
remote location where his fate seemed sealed. However, a twist of fate altered
the course of his life.
An Unexpected Savior
As events unfolded, Mr. Iweka was handed over to an individual tasked with
ending his life. To his astonishment, the person recognized him from their
senior school days. This unexpected connection turned a potential executioner
into an unlikely ally.
"Rather than kill me, he
decided to help. He organized a plan for both of us to flee the country,"
Mr. Iweka revealed. The escape plan came with a grave warning: they must never
return to Nigeria, as their lives would remain under threat from the powerful
official behind the scheme.
A Broader Issue
Mr. Iweka’s story highlights the persistent insecurity and systemic corruption
that fuel human trafficking in Nigeria. The complicity of influential figures
in such crimes deepens the crisis, leaving ordinary citizens vulnerable and
helpless.
"This is not just my story—it
is the story of countless others who were not as fortunate to escape, four
people lost their lives that very day, including the driver" Mr. Iweka
emphasized.
List of Victims
The names of the abducted passengers, as obtained from the transport company’s
records, are:
- Mr. Usman Jafaru
- Mrs. Ngozi Udeh
- Mr. Chibuzor Eze (Driver)
- Mr. Oghenekaro Ovie James
- Mr. Adewale Segun
- Miss Chiamaka Nwosu
- Mr. Ademola John
- Mrs. Adaeze Obi
- Mr. Umukoro Yoma Festus
- Mr. Nkem Onyeka
- Mr. Dayo Oritsejiafor
- Miss Ogechukwu Umeh
- Mrs. Chioma Igwe
- Mr. Amos Ify Iweka
- Miss Oluchi Anya
- Mrs. Chidinma Ndukwe
- Mr. Uzoma Nwafor
- Mrs. Sola Adebayo
Seeking Justice and Protection
Mr. Iweka is sharing his story to raise awareness about the horrors of human
trafficking and the urgent need for accountability. His account has also
sparked renewed calls for international pressure on Nigerian authorities to
address the pervasive corruption enabling these crimes.
Conclusion
Mr. Iweka’s harrowing journey serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities
faced by many Nigerians. His bravery in sharing his experience shines a light
on a dark reality and underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to
protect citizens from such atrocities.
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