Gunmen kidnap 35-year-old woman in Imo, demand N2m ransom

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - Gunmen have reportedly abducted a 35-year-old woman, Aluchie Jennifer, in Imo State and demanded N2 million ransom for her release.

Aluchie was abducted on Saturday, May 11, 2025, while she was en route to her hometown, Umuhu Enyiogwugwu, in Aboh Mbaise Local Council of the state. 

The victim, who resides in Asaba, Delta State, had travelled from Delta to Port Harcourt to visit her family. While she reportedly arrived safely in Port Harcourt, she was kidnapped after continuing her trip to her village.

Narrating the ordeal, her elder sister, Akus Amara, disclosed that she received a disturbing message at about 3:00 a.m. on Sunday.

The message included a photo of her sister, half-naked and blindfolded, in what appeared to be a bushy area. The kidnappers attached a chilling note: “You don’t want to pay that money, you think we are playing a game.”

According to Amara, a voice note followed, where Jennifer could be heard crying and saying, “Mama, they’ve kidnapped me, they kidnapped me yesterday night, and they’re asking for ransom.” The abductors reportedly hit her during the recording.

Subsequent attempts by Amara to reach her sister’s number via sApp were met with more threats and disturbing images. 

“They sent me another photo of her naked. I was confused and scared,” she said. 

Amara explained that she tried to negotiate with the abductors, offering N500,000 due to financial constraints, but the offer was rejected. 

"They told me I was joking and immediately ended the call,” she recounted.

The victim’s son, who last saw his mother when she left for Port Harcourt at about 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, confirmed she had reached Port Harcourt before losing contact.

Amara added that Jennifer had recently returned from Lagos and started a small food business in Asaba. She had planned to visit her sister’s children over the weekend.

In a later voice note, Jennifer reportedly revealed that the kidnappers had already k!lled two people in her presence and pleaded for her life. The abductors also warned Amara to follow their instructions or risk her sister being killed.

As of the time of this report, communication with the abductors continued through Jennifer’s phone via WhatsApp, and her whereabouts remained unknown. 

The family called on security agencies and the public for urgent intervention.