There is palpable tension in Umunze, Anambra State, following the kidnappin of two prominent Indigenes, President General of the Umunze Progressive Union (UPU), Engr. Ezekiel Iheazor, and a key chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nze Ikechukwu Okoli.
The incident occurred at Okoli’s residence in Lomu village during a heavy rainstorm, accompanied by gunfire. According to reports from Vanguard, the abduction occurred while Iheazor was visiting Okoli’s home.
Eyewitnesses described hearing gunshots as the attackers, taking advantage of the rain, stormed the premises, seizing both men before escaping in a Highlander jeep.
A local resident, describing the tension in the community, said, “It is true, Umunze is in disarray. Our PG and Iykon were kidnapped. Today is Nkwo, our main market day, and it has been raining heavily.
“I heard loud gunshots but couldn’t come out due to the rain. After the rain subsided, I reached out to friends near the market, and they confirmed nothing had happened there. Soon after, a community leader broke the sad news to me.”
At the scene of the crime, Iheazor’s car was found abandoned at Okoli’s home, heightening the tension as residents grappled with the shocking development. So far, there has been no word from the abductors.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, noted that while he had not received official information on the case, he emphasized the distinction between abduction and kidnapping, highlighting that kidnappers typically demand ransom.
He promised to contact the Umunze Divisional Police Officer for further investigation.
The abduction has left Umunze residents anxious and in fear, as the community awaits any updates on the fate of their leaders.