Monday Eze, a 40-year-old forest guard deployed in Enugu East district, claims to have ventured into notorious forests in Enugu state where suspected herdsmen kidnappers are believed to be based. One such perilous forest is the Ofia-Akwu, spanning 15 kilometers in the Eke-Egede-Ezeagu area, known for multiple incidents of violence attributed to alleged Fulani herdsmen. The Ajali forest is also mentioned as a hub for herdsmen, with accusations of soldiers collaborating with them during the Buhari administration.
Other kidnapping hotspots include the areas between Udi north communities, such as Abor, Awhum, Umulumgbe, Nike, Ekwegbe, Ukehe, and Opi, as well as forests along the Enugu-Ugwogo-Opi Nsukka road. Eze admits that efforts to apprehend kidnappers have not always been successful, citing challenges such as lack of resources and arms.
Notorious forests, like Eke-Egede-Affa, are highlighted for numerous kidnappings, including the abduction and murder of a Catholic Priest in 2021. Concerns about insecurity in the region are raised by community members, including Chief Emma Ikwueze, a former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
There are claims that criminal kidnappers are shielded by nomadic cattle breeders, but Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) denies involvement and pledges efforts to prevent criminal infiltration among its members in the southeast.
The forest guard, Eze, describes the challenges faced by their team, including suspicions of collaboration between kidnappers and soldiers stationed along roads. He also points out that the forest guards lack proper equipment and face threats from well-armed kidnappers.
The narrative touches on specific areas like the Francis region within Ibagwa-Nike, which was a known hideout for kidnappers until local forces reportedly drove them away. The report also suggests that the kidnappers have native Igbo collaborators who provide information on movements and help them evade capture.
Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of security measures, with criticism directed at soldiers stationed along roads for alleged collaboration with criminals. Calls are made for a shift in strategy, emphasizing the need to dominate forests and bush areas to combat the growing threat of kidnappings in the region.