22-Year-Old Woman Abducted After Boarding Keke in Asaba, Family Receives Ransom Call
A 22-year-old woman, identified as Uche Chukwurah, was reportedly abducted after boarding a commercial tricycle — popularly known as a keke — close to Ibusa Junction in Asaba, Delta State, on the evening of Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
The disappearance, shared by human rights advocate Harrison Gwamnishu via Facebook, has heightened public concern over commuter safety in the state capital and renewed calls for urgent police action.
According to Gwamnishu’s post, Uche had finished work for the day and boarded a tricycle home. When she failed to return and didn’t answer repeated calls, her family grew alarmed. That same night, they reportedly received a phone call from her abductors demanding ransom.
“Uche boarded a keke around Ibusa Junction on Wednesday night and has not returned,” Gwamnishu wrote. “The kidnappers called her family and are demanding money. Her father cannot afford what they want. Please, authorities, help us find her.”
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The post has since gone viral, prompting widespread concern across social media. Many users condemned the growing frequency of kidnappings involving keke and motorcycle operators, calling on the Delta State Police Command to step up patrols and surveillance around major junctions.
As of publication, the police are yet to issue an official statement. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful.
Local residents say sporadic police patrols have increased slightly in recent weeks but argue that the measures are not enough to curb opportunistic abductions. Some described keke kidnappings as an “epidemic,” with many victims targeted while returning home from work or evening errands.
Security experts have urged authorities to implement digital tracking for public transport vehicles, establish stricter licensing and identification systems for tricycle operators, and install CCTV cameras at major transport points.
Comparisons are being drawn to the recent abduction of Aisha Wahab in Auchi, Edo State, who was released after her family reportedly paid a ₦20 million ransom following two weeks in captivity. Observers say both incidents point to a broader pattern of organised kidnapping targeting vulnerable commuters.
Community leaders and civil rights groups are calling on the Federal and State Governments to strengthen coordination between local vigilante groups and police units, while urging citizens to remain vigilant and avoid boarding unregistered commercial vehicles.
Meanwhile, Uche’s family continues to plead for her safe return. “No family should experience this kind of nightmare,” Gwamnishu said. “We beg the police, vigilantes, and anyone with information to help bring Uche home alive.”
For now, Asaba residents are left anxious and watchful, fearing that a simple trip home could turn deadly.