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Gunmen suspected to be members of a kidnapping syndicate have refused to release Mr. John Udodiri Duru, weeks after his abduction in Imo State.

Mr. Duru was kidnapped on Saturday, September 13, 2025, on his way to church along the Okigwe–Owerri Road.

Witnesses said armed men intercepted him, forced him into their vehicle, and fled the scene.

The matter was reported at the Divisional Police Station Orji, Imo State Police Command.

A family source, Mrs Chinyere Ezeala, said the abductors initially demanded ₦20 million ransom for his release.

“Negotiations were ongoing when communication with the kidnappers was abruptly cut off, and all efforts to re-establish contact have since failed.

“The kidnappers later sent a threatening notice to the victim’s family, warning that any attempt by the family to involve security agencies or delay payment would result in the victim’s death. His whereabouts remain unknown,” she said.

Security analysts believe that the incident reflects the growing wave of abductions and violence in Imo State and across Nigeria, driven by rising insecurity involving bandits, herdsmen, jihadist groups, and other criminal gangs.

In the Southeast region, residents also face a weekly Monday lockdown, known as “sit-at-home,” enforced by unidentified armed groups — a situation that has crippled economic, educational, and commercial activities in the area.