A disturbing viral video showing an injured man pleading for N5m ransom money for his abductors has sparked renewed concerns over the growing insecurity crisis in Imo State and across the country. The victim was identified as Chigbo Ohalem, who was reportedly kidnapped in Agwa, located in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State.
The footage, which has circulated widely on social media, allegedly showed the victim appealing to his family to meet the demands of his captors, while other suspected victims could also reportedly be seen in the background. Activist Harrison Gwamnishu shared details of the incident online and raised concerns about the spread of kidnapping networks across Nigeria.
“This happened in Agwa, Oguta LGA of Imo State. The victim is Chigbo Ohalem and if you watch the video carefully, you will notice there were other victims too. The video was reportedly sent to Chigbo’s family,” Gwamnishu wrote. “Which state in Nigeria is truly free from these heinous crimes?” he asked.
The activist also recounted a previous conversation he claimed to have had with a captured kidnapper about how criminal gangs operate within forests across Nigeria. “I once had the opportunity to question a captured kidnapper about how he got involved in kidnapping and how these criminal groups operate inside our forests,” he stated.
According to Gwamnishu, the suspect claimed he learned kidnapping operations in Nasarawa State before setting up his own gang. “He revealed that he learnt kidnapping in Nasarawa State under another gang leader before establishing his own ‘office’ with a team of four members,” Gwamnishu said.
The activist explained that the suspect used the word “office” to describe different hideouts hidden deep within forests where abducted victims were held captive. “According to him, while moving victims from one hideout to another, they sometimes encounter other kidnapping gangs operating within the same forest,” he added.
Gwamnishu also disclosed details allegedly provided by the suspect regarding how ransom money is spent. “What do they use ransom money for? I asked him and he said: Buying more AK-47 rifles and ammunition, investing in cattle business for steady financial returns.”
The activist further alleged that kidnappers often rely on Point of Sale (POS) operators to help move ransom payments without attracting suspicion. “He explained that they often hand over ransom cash to POS operators who help deposit the money into different accounts because they cannot risk walking into banks or travelling with huge amounts of cash,” Gwamnishu said.
He called on the Nigerian government and security agencies to strengthen collaboration with financial operators to combat money laundering linked to kidnapping activities. “Government and security agencies need to work closely with POS operators. Some operators, including those in markets, may unknowingly be aiding these criminals,” he stated.
Gwamnishu also criticised what he described as a growing disconnect between authorities and ordinary citizens. “The Government is too far removed from the people, and that is one major reason citizens no longer trust authorities enough to share vital information,” he added.
Watch the video below…………………………….
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