by George Ozalla
Onitsha has been gripped by shock and anger following the arrest of two brothers, Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, over their alleged role in the kidnap and killing of three Cameroonian traders who reportedly arrived in the city for Christmas business.
Local sources said the traders travelled from Cameroon to Onitsha with plans to purchase goods for resale back home, a routine journey many West African cross-border traders make during the festive season. According to residents who followed the case, the visitors were allegedly targeted shortly after they arrived, leading to their abduction by the suspected gang.
Family members of the victims, who had been in contact with the abductors, said a ransom of about ₦2.9 million was paid in an effort to secure their release. Despite fulfilling the demand, the traders were not returned. Two of the victims were later found dead along the Omambala River, while the third trader remains missing, prompting fears that he may have met the same fate.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation across Onitsha, with residents describing the act as heartless and damaging to the city’s long-standing reputation as a hub for commercial activities and international trade. They expressed concern that such crimes could discourage foreign traders who traditionally flock to Anambra markets during the holiday period.
Police authorities confirmed the arrest of the two brothers and said investigations are ongoing to establish the full details of the crime and determine whether other accomplices were involved. The police assured the public that justice would be pursued and called for cooperation from residents who may have useful information.
