By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
RELATIVES OF seven abducted travellers are clinging to hope after the victims, including 24-year-old Michael Bedford and his father, were kidnapped in Uli, Anambra State, while returning to Lagos from a burial in Abia State.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 5 October 2025, when the group was seized by gunmen who also made away with their Toyota Land Cruiser.
A family member told JKNewsMedia.com that the victims were attacked in what appeared to be a well-coordinated ambush.
The person added that despite immediate reports to security agencies, there has been no tangible progress in locating the victims or identifying the perpetrators, as she and other relatives wait in desperate apprehension.
Days after the abduction, families said the only official response they had received was the familiar reassurance that “security agencies are on top of the matter.”
It was also noted that those abducted were members of the Branhamites Church in Alagomeji, Ebute Metta, Lagos, a congregation attended by businessman and philanthropist Cosmos Maduka.
Other family sources also said the group had travelled to Nunya, Abia State, for a burial and were on their way back to Lagos when the attack took place.
A particular family representative described the ordeal as “a nightmare that has left everyone numb with fear.”
He added that young Michael Bedford, his father Mr Bedford, Mr Dan, and four others were abducted without any communication from their captors.
“We have not heard from them, but we believe we will hear good news soon in Jesus’ mighty name,” the relative said.
The families said they remain particularly distressed by the silence of the kidnappers, who have yet to make any ransom demands several days after the incident.
“Michael is only 24, full of life and dreams,” another family member said.
“This experience will scar him forever if he comes out alive. Mr Bedford, Mr Dan, and the others are innocent people caught up in a tragedy that should never have happened. Yes, we pray they all come back alive in Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Others kidnapped include Bro Kunle and his son, Bro Daniel and others.
Expressing concern, Mr. Johnson Adumike, Chief Executive Officer of The Ever Hale Living Company, appealed to the authorities for swift intervention.
“We are pleading with the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Imo State Government—please act now. Every minute counts. Bring them home,” he stated.
Meanwhile, security agencies have not yet released an official statement on the incident, though local sources confirm that both state and federal units have been alerted.
Also, residents of Uli and adjoining communities say the highway where the abduction occurred has become increasingly dangerous, with sporadic reports of armed attacks in recent months.
A local community leader who joined the families’ call for urgent action described the situation as alarming.
“Nigeria has become a nation where safety is a privilege and kidnapping an industry,” he said, urging authorities to restore public confidence through visible and effective security measures, he added.
“We are believing God for a miracle,” one relative said. “All we want is for our loved ones to return home safely,” the relative added, noting that as families of the victims await updates, they continue to appeal for prayers and public support.
As of Friday, October 10, the family member said: “We’ve still not heard from them, but we believe we will hear good news today in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!”
