A Disturbing New Kidnap Format in Uyo: One Woman’s Close Escape

In recent times, Nigeria has witnessed a troubling rise in unconventional abduction tactics. This morning in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, I narrowly escaped becoming a victim of one of these disturbing schemes. My experience highlights not only the creativity of criminals but also the urgent need for heightened public awareness and vigilance.

The Encounter

It began as a simple errand. I had stepped out of my house early, leaving my phone behind to charge since I didn’t expect to be gone long. After concluding my first task, I decided to purchase a sanitary pad from a pharmacy along Aka Road.

Ahead of me, a Toyota Camry with tinted windows was parked. The driver beckoned and politely asked for directions to Ikot Udobong. I replied that I didn’t know. Moments later, he suddenly shifted tone, asking for my phone number. When I declined and briskly walked away, the situation escalated.

The man grabbed my arm and began shouting fabricated claims—that I was his fiancée who had suddenly abandoned him after he “sponsored” my education. He insisted I was ungrateful and attempting to leave him for another man.

Public Manipulation

Within minutes, an elderly woman appeared, echoing his lies. She accused me of being “one of those girls” who let men train them only to walk away afterward. Soon, commercial tricycle (keke) operators gathered.

The supposed abductor narrated in Ibibio that we had left his house together that morning and had a minor disagreement, hence my “behavior.” Despite my desperate pleas in English, the crowd dismissed it as a private “husband-and-wife” matter.

When the man threatened to beat and strip me naked, my fear intensified.

Intervention

At that critical moment, a passerby intervened. A well-dressed Igbo man parked his car and calmly questioned the alleged abductor.

“What’s her name?” he asked.

Caught off guard, the man replied: “Imaobong Peter.”

I immediately produced my driver’s license, business card, and expired ATM card—all proving a completely different identity. The Igbo man challenged the kidnapper and told him to release me, but the aggressor refused, still insisting I must return home with him.

Clinging to the Igbo man for safety, I begged him to call my husband.

Then came the breakthrough.

Divine Rescue

Another passerby joined the scene—someone I recognized as the younger brother of my yam supplier at Akpan Andem Market. Upon seeing me, he exclaimed in shock and quickly exposed the scam.

“This woman is my customer. I know her husband, her children, even her car! This man is a scammer!”

Immediately, the crowd’s perception shifted. Realizing he had been exposed, the supposed abductor jumped into his car and sped off. The elderly woman who had supported him disappeared as well.

The Bigger Picture

Afterward, the market trader’s brother revealed that this abduction tactic is becoming alarmingly common in Uyo. Just the previous week, a similar ploy had been attempted against another young woman along the same Aka Road.

This scheme relies heavily on public manipulation: creating a believable backstory, exploiting bystanders’ biases, and using community complicity to silence the victim. In many cases, people dismiss women’s cries for help, assuming domestic disputes rather than recognizing imminent danger.

Lessons Learned

This experience left me shaken but also determined to share key takeaways:

1. Never underestimate your phone. Even on “quick errands,” carry it with you.

2. Always carry identification. IDs can quickly disprove false claims.

3. Trust no roadside interactions. Avoid engaging with strangers in secluded spots.

4. Be loud and firm. Create as much attention as possible; don’t let lies overpower your truth.

5. Community awareness is vital. Share stories like this so others can recognize the signs early.

Final Thoughts

What happened to me today was not just an attempted abduction—it was also a reminder of the systemic sexism in our society, where a woman’s distress is often dismissed or trivialized.

I am deeply grateful for the strangers who stepped in—especially the Igbo man and the market trader’s brother who recognized me. Without their intervention, the outcome could have been tragically different.

Ladies, please stay vigilant. This “fake fiancé” kidnap format is real, dangerous, and spreading. Share this story with your sisters, daughters, wives, and friends. Awareness might save a life.

– Estelle DeSouza
September 12, 2025