Agwa, Oguta LGA, Imo State – In a heart-wrenching video that has gone viral and sent chills across Nigeria, a severely injured man identified as Chigbo Ohalem is seen pleading desperately for his life while bound in a forest hideout, his face covered in blood as ruthless kidnappers issue a deadly ultimatum to his family.…....
The disturbing footage, reportedly sent directly to Chigbo’s family, captures the terrified victim sitting on the ground in a bushy area, visibly beaten with blood streaming from his face and hands. Armed captors loom nearby, one wielding what appears to be a gun. Chigbo, speaking in a weak and broken voice, reveals he was kidnapped on Friday and warns that the deadline is today by 10 o’clock.
“They killed me since Friday evening… The money is 5 million Naira. If we don’t bring it, they will fire us,” he pleads, begging his family to act fast or he may never be seen alive again. “Please help me… You can have my life now.”
Disturbingly, careful viewers have noted what appear to be other victims in the background of the clip, suggesting this is part of a larger operation by a forest-based kidnapping syndicate terrorizing the region.
Activist Harrison Gwamnishu amplified the video on social media, questioning the safety of Nigerians amid rising insecurity: “This happened in Agwa, Oguta LGA of Imo State… Which state in Nigeria is truly free from these heinous crimes?”
The incident has sparked outrage and renewed fears over the unchecked activities of armed gangs operating deep in forests across the country. According to Gwamnishu, who previously interrogated a captured kidnapper, these groups often learn their trade in states like Nasarawa, establish multiple “offices” (hideouts) in forests, and use ransom money to buy more weapons and invest in businesses like cattle rearing. They allegedly launder payments through POS operators to avoid detection.
As of now, there is no confirmed update on whether the ransom was paid or if Chigbo and any other victims have been released. Security agencies in Imo State are yet to issue an official statement, but calls are growing for swift intervention to rescue the victims and dismantle the syndicate.
