Passengers targeted: FENRAD sounds alarm over Ngor Okpala abductions

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD Nigeria) has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in kidnapping incidents along the Aba–Owerri corridor, particularly the recent attacks at the Ngor Okpala axis, where innocent passengers were violently abducted.

These incidents have heightened fear among commuters, disrupted socio-economic activities, and gravely undermined the safety, dignity, and freedom of citizens in the region.

FENRAD Nigeria unequivocally condemns these criminal acts, describing them as unacceptable violations of human rights and serious threats to peace, stability, and community wellbeing across Abia and Imo States.

According to the Executive Director of FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the organization commends the Governments of Abia and Imo States for their proactive and collaborative decision to establish a unified security taskforce to tackle the worsening insecurity along this strategic corridor.

The joint intervention is timely, commendable, and demonstrates strong political will to protect lives and property within the Southeast.

FENRAD Nigeria further calls for intensified and coordinated efforts to secure the immediate release of the passengers recently abducted at the Ngor Okpala axis.

The organization urges security agencies to deploy enhanced intelligence-gathering measures, advanced surveillance technology, and inter-agency collaboration to ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

To strengthen the ongoing intervention, FENRAD recommends that the unified taskforce deepen intelligence gathering to identify criminal networks, hideouts, sponsors, and operational patterns.

They also advise strengthening both aerial and ground surveillance, including the strategic deployment of drones and technology-driven monitoring tools, while working closely with communities, transport unions, and local vigilance structures to improve early-warning systems and rapid reporting mechanisms.

FENRAD emphasizes that security agencies must conduct operations professionally and in accordance with human rights standards, ensuring that civilian safety remains paramount at all times.

The organization also stresses the importance of thorough investigations, arrests, and diligent prosecution of all individuals involved in these kidnapping incidents to deter future occurrences and rebuild public trust in the region’s security architecture.

FENRAD Nigeria remains committed to advocating for a safe, peaceful, and rights-respecting society. The organization stands ready to collaborate with government institutions, security agencies, civil society groups, and community stakeholders to support sustainable and effective security solutions across the Southeast.