Crime
UK- Based Man Abducted By Gunmen In Anambra
…colleagues express worry over rising insecurity
A United Kingdom-based, Mr. Ikechukwu Okeke, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Anambra.
Mr Okeke was kidnapped at his Amaokpala community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the State, on January 10th, 2025, at about 7:30pm, while returning home from the funeral service of his cousin, Mrs. Obiageli Okoli.
He was, however, released three days after undisclosed amount was paid to secure his freedom.
The incident was announced by the Diaspora Members of the Amaokpala community during a press conference held at the community, on Wednesday.
They expressed outrage over the rising insecurity in the state
The community urgently called on the State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo to take immediate and decisive action to address the security challenges threatening lives and property in the region.
According to the community, Mr Okeke, a United Kingdom-based professional and elder brother to Dr Chukwudi Okeke, chairman of Oxfordshire Cherwell District Council, returned to Nigeria on December 27, 2024, to attend his cousin’s funeral and visit his ailing parents before the unfortunate incident occured.
“Unknown to him, the kidnappers had been trailing his movements. As he stopped at the gate of his residence, they struck, forcing him out of his vehicle and into a waiting Toyota Sienna, in which they whisked him away.”
The next morning, the kidnappers contacted his family and demanded a ransom of N100 million. After intense negotiations, an undisclosed amount was paid to secure his release. Mr. Okeke was freed unharmed after three days in captivity.
The incident has left the Amaokpala community enraged and questioning Governor Soludo’s silence on the deteriorating security situation. As the chief security officer of the state, they argue, the governor is responsible for ensuring the safety of all residents.
A visibly shaken Mr. Okeke expressed his trauma over the ordeal and attributed the high rate of insecurity in Anambra and Nigeria to widespread unemployment among young people and the lack of social security. He called for urgent investment in industries and job creation to address these root causes of crime.
The Amaokpala community, which holds the Okeke family in high regard, is demanding immediate government action to restore security and prevent further incidents of this nature.
They maintain that effective governance and a focus on long-term solutions will significantly reduce criminal activities and foster peace across the state.
A middle-aged woman has been arrested by the police in Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State for allegedly throwing her five-year-old physically challenged son into a river after a self-proclaimed prophet reportedly told her that the child was a python.
The suspect was apprehended by angry residents shortly after the incident at a riverbank in the community.
According to reports, the woman confessed that she acted on the instruction of a spiritualist based in Benin City, who allegedly convinced her that the child was responsible for her inability to have more children.
The woman explained that she had suffered several miscarriages after giving birth to the child and sought spiritual assistance in an effort to overcome her fertility challenges.
In a video circulating on social media, the suspect reportedly said: “Every pregnancy ended in miscarriage. A seer told me to put my five-year-old child inside the river and that I would be able to give birth again. The seer said if I put my baby inside the river, the child would turn into a python.”
She claimed the spiritualist convinced her that the physically challenged child was a spiritual obstacle preventing her from conceiving successfully.
Acting on the alleged advice, she reportedly took the child to a nearby river and threw him into the water.
Residents who noticed her suspicious movements near the riverbank reportedly rushed to the scene but arrived after the child had already been thrown into the river.
The woman was immediately detained by community members and later handed over to law enforcement authorities.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents, child rights advocates and public health experts, who condemned the role of superstition and misinformation in the tragedy.
The suspect is currently in police custody and is expected to face prosecution.
Meanwhile, community leaders and human rights groups have called for the arrest and prosecution of the self-styled prophet alleged to have influenced the woman to commit the act.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
The Enugu State Police Command has dismissed as false a viral social media report alleging that armed herdsmen attacked a school in Ezeagu Local Government Area of the state.
The Command said investigations and security assessments conducted following the circulation of the report confirmed that no such incident occurred in Ezeagu or any other part of Enugu State.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command described the report as a deliberate fabrication capable of creating fear, panic, and confusion among residents, particularly school administrators, teachers, students, and parents.
According to the police, operatives immediately carried out on-the-spot security assessments, intelligence gathering, operational checks, and discreet investigations, all of which established that the alleged attack never took place.
The Command condemned the spread of false information and warned that those responsible for originating and disseminating the report would be identified and prosecuted.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the Command’s Tactical and Intelligence Units to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
The police boss reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace and public order across Enugu State.
He urged residents to disregard the report, remain calm and vigilant, and continue to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
The Command also encouraged members of the public to make use of its emergency lines — 08032003702, 08086671202, 112, 09134666668, and 09134448093 — to report security concerns.
The police reiterated that misinformation and alarmist reports pose a threat to public peace and warned against the dissemination of unverified information capable of causing unnecessary panic.
This is as the abducted Principal of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinele, Mrs Rachael Alamu, in an emotion-laden voice in another viral video on Monday, begged Nigerians not to allow the government to deceive the world that bandits requested Sharia Law to be enshrined in the country for their release.
The coordinated abduction had taken place on Friday, May 15, 2026, around 9:30 a.m, while those whisked away had remained in captivity since then.
The Nigerian Union of Teachers ordered members across the state to commence a strike until the rescue of the kidnapped victims, while protests were held across the country last week.
One of the protesters, Kehinde Dahunsi, said, “What will it take for both the government at the centre and the state government to rescue our beloved ones since May 15. This is so pathetic.
“The former Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu’s biological sister and her twin children (Peter and Paul), as heard on radio, television stations, and read in the pages of newspapers, were kidnapped early hours on Wednesday, June 3, and were rescued on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Just three days interval.
“But our people have been in captivity for 25 days now. Why shouldn’t governments also apply the same mechanism used to rescue the ex-minister’s sister and her two sons to rescue our family members?” he lamented.
In the now-viral video, Alamu, in a distress call from the kidnappers’ hideout, begged Nigerians to circulate the video and not play politics with their lives.
“Today makes it the 24th day that we have been in this place. And it seems that some people are making our problems complicated already.
“We were shown some print media where it was stated that these people that abducted us requested the release of some people. They requested a billion naira; they requested that Sharia be enshrined in the country. These are not true. They are just trying to create a problem for us.
“We have been here since, we have not been forced to worship in an Islamic way. We have been left alone. They have not troubled us concerning that. They are not asking for Sharia law; they are not asking for money.
“The single thing they are looking for is the release of some of their people. I don’t know why they are peddling this rumour to make it complicated for us.
“Please, we are begging you, please, don’t play politics with our lives. Nigerians, please, help us to circulate this, let it go viral.
“They are not asking for Sharia law. It’s not true. They are not asking for weapons; they are not asking for money. All they want is the release of some people, and the government should negotiate with them and know those whom they will release for them.
“I don’t know why they are playing politics with our lives. Please, Nigerians, our lives are in your hands. Please, help us make it go viral. Don’t let the government deceive the whole world.”
Victims of a violent attack in Umunkpumente Kindred, Ihie Autonomous Community, Ishiagu, in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have called on Governor , the Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the incident.
The victims, numbering more than 10, were reportedly attacked by suspected thugs while holding a meeting at the residence of the late Fabian Okonkwo, who was allegedly murdered by unknown gunmen on April 16, 2026.
According to members of the kindred, the attack may be linked to their persistent demands for a thorough investigation into Okonkwo’s killing.
Speaking to journalists, the Chairman of Umunkpumente Kindred, Mr. Christopher Okonkwo, alleged that the crisis began after the kindred petitioned the Ebonyi State Government and the Police Command, requesting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Fabian Okonkwo.
He explained that prior to his death, Fabian Okonkwo had sought permission to bury his late in-law on family land located in Ekembe, Ihie Autonomous Community.
According to him, Okonkwo first approached the President-General of the community, Mr. Chijoke Ume, who allegedly opposed the request and warned him against proceeding with the burial.
“Late Fabian then approached the traditional ruler of Ihie Autonomous Community, Eze Gabriel Okoro, who granted approval after confirming that the land belonged to Fabian’s family and that his relatives had consented to the burial,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo alleged that in the early hours of April 16, armed men invaded Fabian’s residence and shot him multiple times in the head.
“Nothing was taken from the house, which strongly suggests that the attackers came specifically to kill him,” he stated.
He further alleged that after several weeks with no visible progress in the investigation, members of the kindred petitioned the Governor and the Commissioner of Police, leading to the arrest and questioning of the community President-General, Chijoke Ume, and his secretary, Kenneth Kalu.
According to him, tensions escalated following the arrests.
He claimed that on June 3, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, contacted him and urged him to facilitate the release of the detained community leaders.
“I explained that the petition was not my personal decision but that of the entire kindred. However, I was repeatedly pressured to withdraw the petition,” he alleged.
Mr. Okonkwo further claimed that on June 5, a group of youths allegedly led by one Emeka Chukwuemeka invaded his residence in his absence and destroyed some of his property.
He said the attackers allegedly threatened him through a relative, giving him 24 hours to secure the release of the detained individuals or face consequences.
He also alleged that on June 7, while members of the kindred gathered at the late Fabian Okonkwo’s residence to discuss support for the deceased’s family, more than 100 youths from three neighbouring kindreds stormed the venue and attacked them.
“They injured about 10 persons, burnt one motorcycle, damaged two others and looted and destroyed a shop belonging to Mr. Onwulandu Mbazu,” he said.
Mr. Okonkwo urged Governor Nwifuru and security agencies to investigate what he described as repeated attacks against members of the kindred.
He recalled that a similar incident allegedly occurred on August 31, 2024, resulting in injuries and destruction of property.
Another victim and Financial Secretary of the kindred, Mr. James Ifeanyi, accused the Youth President of Ihie Autonomous Community, Mr. Kelvin Chukwuemeka, and a Special Assistant to the Local Government Chairman, Mr. Festus Nwafor, of leading the attack.
According to him, the assailants arrived armed with dangerous weapons and unleashed violence on members of the kindred.
“I know some of those who attacked us, including Kelechi Mkpa, Orji Ugochukwu and Orji Christian,” he alleged.
He further claimed that the attack was aimed at frustrating ongoing efforts to uncover those responsible for the murder of Fabian Okonkwo.
The victims appealed to security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into both the killing and the subsequent attacks, insisting that those responsible should be brought to justice.
Reacting to the allegations, the Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, Chief Emmanuel Ajah, confirmed that the murder of Fabian Okonkwo had been reported to the police and that investigations were ongoing.
Similarly, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the arrest of the community President-General and his secretary, adding that normalcy had been restored in the area.
Ukandu expressed concern over the violence and protests that followed the arrests.
“It is unfortunate that people would resort to protests and attacks over the arrest and questioning of individuals linked to an ongoing murder investigation,” he said.
“The police have not concluded their investigation. Those involved should have allowed due process to take its course. If anyone suspects foul play, there are lawful channels through which complaints can be made.”
The police spokesman assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice, maintaining peace, and ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Commander of Operations for Agunechemba Security Squad Chief Chinenye Ihenkor has described his 30 Years of fighting insecurity in Anambra state as tough and hell on earth.
Ihenkor who disclosed this shortly after receiving the Peace and Security Legend Award presented to him by the management of Nigerian Radar in Awka Anambra state noted that in the past 30 that he has been in the job of fighting insecurity in the area it has been tough and hell on earth.
“This 30 years since my life has been committed to the security of lives and property in Anambra state but I must tell you that my days in the past 30 years has not been easy ”
“It has been tough 30 years of policing in Anambra state but with God all things are possible”
“We have passed through hell and through so many attacks and challenges to make sure that people of Anambra state and the residents sleep with their two eyes closed ”
“I have passed so many challenges but not withstanding the major thing is that I am alive ”
“I have had so many worse days in Anambra state and they are uncountable to tell you the truth”
“Any time or day that I go for operations it is a worse day to me any day that I deploy my personnel is a worse day so that is about 30 worse days” he said.
Reacting to the award , Ihenkor noted that though he wasn’t expecting it , he wasn’t surprise that it came which according to him is an indication that Anambra people are aware of his duties in the area.
“I cannot say that I wasn’t expecting the award because it has gone to show that the world is awear of what I am doing.”
“This award is a success story for the Udo Ga Chi and Agunechemba Security Squad specifically”
“I thank the organization that presented this award to me and charge them to keep it up in the discharge of their duties.l”
“Iwant to thank our Governor Charles Soludo because without him we would not have been here today doing this job and appreciate the Special Adviser to the Governor on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership qualities in the fight against insecurity in Anambra state”
“This is because the job of security is not for one person alone and it is everyman’s duty no matter your position or level in the society” he noted .
Presenting the award the Publisher Chief Executive Officer of The Radar Magazine , Mr Anthony C Okwunebe explained that the organization has 50 outstanding personalities that have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavour which have impacted positively of the lives of people a d the society adding that Ihenkor is one of them .
He charged men and women in positions of responsibility to see their respective positions as service to the masses and the society at large noting that their individual and collective efforts would serve as multiplayer effects on the country at large .
Senor Special Assistant to Governor on Security Mr Okechukwu Dominic described the award as a great tonic and impetus for the security operatives in the state to put more action in the discharge of their duties.
“We are not surprise that people are commending us for the job that we are doing and we are proud of the Director of Operations and the Special Adviser to Soludo on Community Security Prince Kenneth Emeakayi for his leadership roles in fighting security and above all we all thank Mr Governor for finding us warthiy to work under his administration” he said.
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