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Umunze, Anambra State, has been thrown into turmoil following the abduction of two prominent figures—Engr. Ezekiel Iheazor, President General of the Umunze Progressive Union (UPU), and Nze Ikechukwu Okoli, a key figure in the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
The kidnapping took place at Okoli’s residence in Lomu village amidst a torrential rainstorm, during which gunshots were heard. According to reports from Vanguard, Iheazor was visiting Okoli when the attackers struck.
Eyewitnesses recalled hearing gunfire as the armed assailants stormed the area, taking advantage of the heavy rain to abduct both men. They made their escape in a Highlander SUV.
A local resident, reflecting on the community’s fear, said, “It’s true, Umunze is in chaos. Our President General and Iykon have been kidnapped. Today was our main market day, Nkwo, and it has been raining heavily.”
“I heard gunshots but stayed indoors because of the downpour. When it stopped, I contacted friends near the market, and they said nothing happened there. Shortly after, a community leader shared the tragic news with me.”
Iheazor’s vehicle was found abandoned at Okoli’s residence, intensifying fears as residents awaited further information. At the time of this report, no communication has been received from the abductors.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, commented that while no formal report had reached him, he noted the distinction between abduction and kidnapping, mentioning that kidnappers typically demand a ransom. He assured that he would reach out to the Umunze Divisional Police Officer for more details.
The abduction has left the Umunze community on edge as they await news regarding the fate of their leaders.
In a separate development, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Southeast Zone has suspended its National Vice Chairman, Mr. Ali Odefa.
The announcement was made by the Ward Executive Committee, led by acting ward chairman Herbert Ovuta, at a press conference in Onicha Local Government Area on Friday.
Odefa’s suspension was linked to allegations of “anti-party activities.”
Standing with other members of the executive committee, Ovuta said, “We are here to announce the decision of the Oguduokwor Ward Executive Committee to suspend Chief Ali Odefa, the PDP National Vice Chairman for the Southeast Zone, for actions that are damaging to our party.”
He added, “This suspension is in line with Section 57 (3) of the PDP Constitution. Furthermore, Chief Odefa has been referred to the Ward Disciplinary Committee for further review.”
