Nollywood actor Uche Odoputa has recounted the painful circumstances surrounding the abduction and killing of his father, Kenneth Odoputa, and his father’s friend, Raphael Ojukwu, in Imo State in 2022, revealing that the kidnappers killed both men despite receiving ransom from the family.
The actor made the revelation while reflecting on the tragedy that continues to affect his family, describing the experience as one of the most devastating moments of his life.
Odoputa, in a statement shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, November 3, said his father was visiting his best friend in eastern Nigeria when both men were abducted by gunmen.
According to him, the family made efforts to secure their release, including paying ransom to the kidnappers, but their efforts did not save the victims.
He explained that the family had remained hopeful throughout the ordeal, praying and appealing for the safe return of the two men.
However, the situation ended in tragedy when the abductors reportedly killed them despite receiving the demanded payment.
The actor said the incident had left lasting emotional and personal consequences for him and other members of his family.
He disclosed that the experience affected his well-being, adding that his faith in God had been a major source of strength throughout the difficult period.
Odoputa also spoke about the continuing impact of the tragedy on his mother and siblings, noting that the absence of his father remained a painful reality for the family.
The actor had previously spoken publicly about the abduction in May 2022 when the family was searching for the missing men.
At the time, he appealed for assistance and expressed concern over their prolonged disappearance.
Kenneth Odoputa and Raphael Ojukwu were reportedly kidnapped while visiting their community in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.
Their abduction occurred amid persistent security challenges in parts of the South-East, where kidnapping, armed attacks and other violent incidents have affected residents and communities.
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Odoputa has also announced plans to conduct his father’s burial using an empty casket because the family does not have his remains to lay to rest.
The decision reflects the difficult circumstances surrounding the death and the family’s inability to give him a conventional burial.
The actor’s latest account has drawn attention to the devastating consequences of kidnapping, particularly cases in which victims are reportedly killed even after families meet ransom demands.
Security authorities have repeatedly warned against the activities of criminal kidnapping networks, while incidents involving ransom payments have continued to raise concerns about the safety of residents.
No publicly confirmed arrests or charges relating to the reported killings were identified in the accounts surrounding Odoputa’s latest revelation.
The actor’s disclosure has renewed conversations about insecurity, the vulnerability of families and the emotional consequences of violent crimes.
