By Anayo Okoli, Vincent Ujumadu

The President General of the Umunze Progressive Union (UPU), Engr. Ezekiel Iheazor, and a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Nze Ikechukwu Okoli, have been abducted in Umunze, Anambra State. The incident occurred at Okoli’s residence in Lomu village.

According to information obtained by Saturday Vanguard, Iheazor was on a visit to Okoli’s home when the kidnappers struck. The abduction took place during a heavy downpour, with the assailants firing sporadically before whisking the two men away.

A local resident shared details of the unsettling event, saying, “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.”

The scene at Okoli’s home suggested the severity of the attack, with the President General’s car found parked at the site, while the abductors reportedly fled in a Highlander jeep. The town is now gripped with fear and uncertainty, with no communication from the captors.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that he was not yet aware of the incident but clarified that a distinction exists between kidnapping and abduction, as kidnappers usually demand ransom. He assured the public that he would contact the Umunze Divisional Police Officer to investigate the situation.

The abduction has left the town in a state of confusion, with residents anxiously awaiting further information on the whereabouts of their community leaders.