A 22-year-old woman identified as Uche Chukwurah has reportedly been abducted after boarding a commercial tricycle, commonly known as keke, around the Ibusa Junction area of Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
The distressing news was made public by well-known human rights activist, Harrison Gwamnishu, who took to Facebook to raise alarm over the young woman’s disappearance and appeal for urgent intervention.
According to Gwamnishu, Uche had just closed from work and was heading home when she boarded a tricycle around the Ibusa Junction area at dusk. Tragically, she never arrived at her destination. Her family became worried after repeated calls to her phone went unanswered. Later that night, they received a shocking phone call from individuals who identified themselves as her abductors.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom, the exact amount of which has not been disclosed publicly. However, Gwamnishu stated that the victim’s father is currently unable to meet the kidnappers’ demand.
“Uche closed from work on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, and boarded a keke around Ibusa Junction, Asaba, but she never made it home,” Gwamnishu wrote. “That same night, her abductors contacted the family, demanding a ransom. Uche is still being held captive as her father cannot afford the amount they are asking for.”
The human rights advocate also used the opportunity to call attention to the growing insecurity faced by young women and commuters across Nigeria, noting that abductions involving commercial tricycles and vehicles are becoming alarmingly frequent.
His post quickly went viral, drawing widespread concern from Nigerians on social media who sympathized with Uche’s family and urged security agencies to act swiftly. Many users also lamented the deteriorating safety situation in the country, particularly in urban and semi-urban centers where public transportation is commonly used by workers and students.
As of press time, there has been no official statement from the Delta State Police Command regarding Uche’s abduction. Attempts to reach police spokesperson Bright Edafe for comments were unsuccessful.
Residents of Asaba have since expressed fears over what they described as an “increasingly dangerous trend” of criminal activity involving tricycle operators and unregistered transport services. Some commuters have now resorted to using verified ride-hailing apps or private vehicles, despite the higher costs, as a means of avoiding potential risks.
The heartbreaking story of Uche’s abduction comes just days after another young woman, Aisha Wahab, who was kidnapped in Auchi, Edo State, regained her freedom following the payment of a ₦20 million ransom. Aisha was held captive for two weeks before her family managed to secure her release.
Many Nigerians have drawn parallels between both cases, citing the rise in targeted abductions involving female victims in recent months. Advocacy groups are calling for the Federal and State Governments to strengthen security surveillance, particularly around transport hubs, as well as to regulate tricycle and motorcycle operators more effectively.
Security analysts also warn that the persistence of kidnapping for ransom has become one of the most destabilizing forms of crime in Nigeria, often affecting not just the victims and their families but also the broader sense of public safety. They urge greater collaboration between community vigilantes, local police units, and digital monitoring systems to curb the trend.
Meanwhile, Gwamnishu has continued to advocate for Uche’s safe release, appealing to the public and relevant authorities to intervene. “No family should have to go through this,” he said in a follow-up message. “We cannot allow criminal gangs to keep terrorizing innocent people. Uche must be rescued alive.”
Uche’s family, who have maintained a quiet plea for assistance, are reportedly traumatized and in dire need of help. As of Friday, there was still no confirmation of her release or further communication from her abductors.
The story has reignited public discussions on the safety of Nigeria’s road commuters and the need for stricter enforcement of transport safety measures across states. For now, friends, relatives, and well-wishers continue to hold on to hope that Uche Chukwurah will soon be reunited with her family unharmed.
