By PAMELA EBOH, Awka
Fear and anxiety has taken the center stage among residents of Dubai Estate, located along Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Anambra State, following a chilling revelation that the bushes in the area has been taken over by marauding Fulani Herdsmen.
A voice note by a man whose name could not be ascertained but said he witnessed one of the attackes, called on residents of Ngozika estate which is in close proximity to Dubai Estste, to avoid going into the estate well dressed, flamboyant or with flashy cars, rather they should enter the estate with unkempt clothes like brick layers and the likes.
Going down memory lane, he said that in the past few days, six individuals have been abducted, with four forced to pay a staggering N75 million in ransom.
The kidnappers, suspected to Fulani herdsmen,operating along the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Express Way, have turned the once-peaceful neighborhood into a danger zone.
Accotding to him, the brazen crimes have included the abduction of a professor who paid N31 million in ransom and a young couple who were forced to pay N45 million after their abduction.
He said the young man who newly secured an apartment in the area was taking his fiancé to the new apartment in his Highlander jeep when they were taken
The eye witness described the kidnappers as ruthless, recalling that one victim’s car was shot at and set ablaze when he escaped their chase and ran into the Road Safety Office, which is adjacent to thr Dibai estate junction.
To this end, Residents are now forced to return home early, taking alternative routes to avoid the danger zone.
He however urged residents of the area to avoid taking the Enugu-Onitsha expressway route, but other routes.
Meanwhile, the Police have assured that they are investigating the incidents, but regretted that their efforts have been hindered by the victims’ reluctance to come forward.
As the situation is yet to be remedied, residents and motorists are advised to avoid stopping at the Dubai Estate junction after 7 pm.