Terror Before Noon: Lady Cries Out as Kidnappers Snatch Husband and Brothers in Ughelli, Demand ₦32M Ransom

In a disturbing twist that underscores Nigeria’s growing insecurity crisis, a Nigerian woman has taken to social media to cry out for help after suspected kidnappers abducted three male relatives of her close friend in broad daylight. The shocking incident, which unfolded at approximately 11 a.m. in Ughelli, has since sent shivers across social media and ignited outrage among Nigerians.

The woman, who goes by the handle @princessato3 on X (formerly Twitter), revealed that the victims—her friend’s husband and two brothers—were all kidnapped in a single sweep by armed men, whom she alleged were Fulani herdsmen. In a move that eerily mirrors the tactics of organized crime syndicates, the kidnappers later released the youngest of the three captives and instructed him to deliver a chilling ultimatum to the family: raise a ransom of ₦32 million or lose the others.

Her post, raw and heart-wrenching, read: “Fulani guys kidnapped my family friend’s husband and her 2 brothers, yesterday at about 11 am in Ughelli. They released the youngest brother later to inform the family to bring ₦32 million by 6 pm today💔💔.”

She continued in disbelief over the brazen nature of the crime, adding: “Bros, when I hear the gist ehhh, I Dey think say na night. 11 am to 12 there about. Her 2 brothers with her husband.”

The incident, now widely circulated online, has generated a wave of commentary from horrified Nigerians, many of whom shared their own experiences with kidnapping in the Delta region. What was once spoken of in whispers has now erupted into full-blown digital discourse, painting a bleak picture of life in parts of Nigeria where safety is no longer guaranteed—not even in daylight.

One user, @poko965, replied: “Where for the Ughelli make we know how we go Dey waka reach o because I have been a victim to this. I paid ₦5 million for release.”

Another, @BlessedImma1, shared a gut-wrenching personal tragedy: “Them run my small brother kidnapping since last year and till now we nor see am again. For Agbarha Otor. Small boy of 19 years. Miss you bro.”

As more comments poured in, frustration and hopelessness gave way to open condemnation of the region’s worsening insecurity. One user, tweeting as Imma 💔💔, fumed: “Na God go punish Agbarha Otor and the entire full Ughelli. I nor advise any successful Yung boi to stay delta.”

It is clear from the tone of responses that what happened in Ughelli is not an isolated incident. Rather, it is part of a pattern of rampant kidnappings that have devastated families, communities, and businesses across Delta State.

Other users joined the chorus of condemnation and despair:

@BlessedImma1 added again: “I don first talk am say 50by100 I nor go buy for Delta State, tankless to build or development.”

@mufasa_osas lamented: “Wetin really dey happen self, this country no where safe again.”

Meanwhile, some pushed back against the idea that Fulani herdsmen were to blame.

@XboxUtd challenged the claim: “Nor be Fulani run am. Na locals dey run am. But Ughelli too small for them to deh run that sh!t.”

As of the time of this report, there has been no official police confirmation or public statement regarding the incident. Neither the Delta State Police Command nor any government security outfit has addressed the viral post, further amplifying fears that the victims may be left to their own fate.

The issue of kidnapping for ransom in Nigeria has grown into a multi-billion-naira underworld economy. While earlier it was mostly restricted to highway abductions and remote village invasions, the terrifying shift to daytime urban raids—such as this one in Ughelli—demonstrates a new level of boldness and impunity among perpetrators.

The rise in abductions has also increased public distrust in the government’s ability to provide security, with many citizens now resorting to prayers, vigilance groups, and social media as last lines of defense and exposure.

This case, shared via a viral tweet, is another grim reminder of how quickly normal life in Nigeria can descend into terror. For the woman whose husband and brothers were snatched before noon, the nightmare is only just beginning. With the clock ticking down to the kidnappers’ ransom deadline, the family faces unimaginable pressure to secure ₦32 million in less than 24 hours—an amount that is far beyond the reach of most Nigerians.

The human toll of this tragedy cannot be overstated. A wife may lose her husband, children may lose their father, and a family could be torn apart forever—unless help arrives in time. Nigerians online have called for urgent action from security agencies, as well as support from the general public to help raise the demanded ransom.

But beyond the urgency of this one case lies a larger question: how long will this continue unchecked? How many more abductions will it take before there is a real national crackdown on kidnapping gangs operating with alarming ease across the country?

As the social media post continues to gather momentum, Nigerians are watching, praying, and hoping for a miracle—for the safe return of the captives, for justice to be served, and for a day when such headlines become a distant memory. Until then, families like this one in Ughelli must live through the horror that so many have already endured.