Gunmen have abducted contractor Lucky Ugbo in Delta State, sparking fear and calls for stronger security.
Disguised as officers, the kidnappers demanded ₦200m, then reduced it to ₦100m in new contacts.
A government contractor, Mr. Lucky Ugbo, has reportedly been abducted by unknown gunmen in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State, prompting fears and tension in the community.
The incident took place at about 8:45 p.m. over four days ago, at his residence located along Isah Road in the quiet town. Community members said Mr. Ugbo had just returned home for the evening when he was seized by the assailants who had been lying in wait.
Eyewitnesses described the kidnappers as heavily armed and dressed in uniforms resembling those worn by security personnel, which initially led many locals to believe they were law enforcement agents.
“They were fully armed and looked like proper security men. They positioned themselves in an uncompleted building close to his house and waited patiently,” a resident who lives nearby said. “The moment Mr. Ugbo got home, and his wife came out to open the door, they moved quickly. They fired several shots into the air and dragged him away at gunpoint.”
The gunmen reportedly forced Mr. Ugbo to walk with them into the darkness, leaving no trace of their direction or vehicle, if any was used. According to the resident, many neighbors witnessed the attack from a distance but were too afraid to intervene, especially since they thought it might be an official arrest operation.
Since the abduction, the kidnappers have made contact with Mr. Ugbo’s wife twice. The first call came on Sunday, during which the abductors demanded a ₦200 million ransom for his safe release. By Monday morning, they contacted her again and reduced the demand to ₦100 million.
“They called again this morning and asked for ₦100 million. We are all worried and praying for his safety,” the source added.
The incident has left the local community deeply shaken, with residents calling for stronger security presence in the area to prevent similar occurrences.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the kidnapping. “Yes, it’s confirmed. The police are intensifying efforts to track down the kidnappers and rescue the victim,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, no additional details had been provided by the police regarding the progress of the investigation. Mr. Ugbo’s whereabouts also remain unknown.
