Nollywood actor Uche Odoputa has disclosed that his family will hold a funeral ceremony for his father, Mr Kenneth Odoputa, three years after he was abducted and reportedly killed by armed men in Nigeria's South-East.

The actor, while recounting the painful incident, revealed that his father travelled to the Eastern region in May 2022 to visit a longtime friend but never returned home.

According to Odoputa, his father and the friend were abducted by armed men during the trip, leaving their families in uncertainty for several weeks without knowing their whereabouts.

He explained that the abductors eventually contacted the family and demanded ransom for their release. The family reportedly made the payment, hoping to secure their freedom and bring his father home safely.

However, their hopes were shattered when they subsequently received news of his father's death, despite the ransom payment.

Describing the incident as one of the most painful experiences his family has endured, Odoputa said the tragedy left a lasting emotional scar, particularly on his mother.

The actor began his emotional account in a video with the statement, "May Nigeria never happen to you," as he reflected on the devastating impact of insecurity on families.

Announcing the family's decision to finally honour his father, Odoputa said they would organise a funeral ceremony in the coming weeks using an empty casket because his father's remains were never recovered.

Explaining the significance of the ceremony, he said the family might not have a body to bury but would not allow the circumstances surrounding his father's death to erase the memories of his life.

"We have no body to lay to rest, but we have his life to remember, his dignity to honour, our love to express," he said.

The planned ceremony will provide an opportunity for the family to celebrate the life of their patriarch and pay their final respects despite the absence of his remains.

May his soul rest in peace.