In Ebonyi, a distressing incident occurred involving gunmen suspected to be armed kidnappers, resulting in the tragic death of an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff member. Emmanuel Igwe, an assistant electoral officer (AEO), lost his life along the Ishiagu-Mpu Road while returning from Anambra state. Furthermore, the criminals abducted his wife, compounding the anguish caused by this appalling act.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya stated that a tactical team from the Police Command had been deployed to track down the culprits.
Expressing their concerns, residents of Ishiagu community in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi urged the police and other security agencies to address the escalating security challenges along the Ishiagu-Mpu road.
The youth leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Damian Okoafor, confirmed the killing of his father, emphasizing that suspected herders carried out the heinous act. Nicholas Onu, an INEC staff member, expressed the profound loss felt by colleagues and called for joint police and military security efforts to combat armed kidnapping, robbery, and other criminal activities along the road.
Dr. Innocent Mbazu, a lecturer at Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo, highlighted the urgent need for police and security intervention, lamenting the unfortunate situation. He cautioned travelers to exercise caution or consider alternative routes due to the increased activities of kidnappers in the area.
Ifeanyi Ivoke urged the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Emnanuel Aja, to collaborate with his counterpart in Aninri LGA to address the security threats along the Ishiagu-Mpu road, which was once considered a safe route in the Southeast. Concerned about the safety of motorists and other users, he appealed for the swift action of security operatives to prevent further kidnappings and armed robberies.
Mpu community, located in Aninri LGA in Enugu, is the hometown of Senator Ike Ekweremadu, the former Deputy President of the Senate.
