A woman who was abducted in Ezimo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, is reported to have died despite regaining her freedom.

The woman, identified as 50-year-old Agnes Obetta died of shock after her release from the grasp of her abductors. She was among those kidnapped while returning from a burial in the area.

Her death was confirmed by a family source who indicated that she died shortly after the ransom for her release was collected.

The reports surrounding her death indicated that the Nigerian Army rescued 14 abducted persons during a clearance operation on Friday, December 5, at Orokam Forest in Benue State, which shares a border with Udenu LGA.

Seven of the rescued victims were Ezimo natives, while eight others were abd¥cted outside the community, including two from neighbouring Umuosigide.

“Shortly after her release alongside others, there were gunshots not far from the bush where they were kept,” the source explained. “The newly freed victims ran for safety. When they regrouped later that night for the journey home, she was missing.”

Her son and some villagers returned the next morning to search for her and found her unconscious. She was taken to a hospital in Orokam but was referred to another facility in Obollo-Afor due to complications.

Her blood pressure was said to be extremely high, and despite efforts by medical personnel, she did not survive. It was also gathered that the captives were poorly fed while in captivity.

A political leader in Udenu LGA, Mr. Hillary Onah, called for full disclosure of the events surrounding her death. He claimed that Mrs Obetta’s first son was still with the kidnappers as they counted the ransom when gunshots rang out from what was believed to be a rescue team.

According to him, the kidnappers fled with the ransom in panic while the victims scattered into the bush.

Onah said the community deserves clarity on what transpired during the rescue, given the tragic outcome.