Ex-Ebonyi deputy governor’s father abducted as gunmen strike community
Gunmen have abducted the father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, in an attack that has once again highlighted the worsening security situation in parts of the state. The incident reportedly occurred in the victim’s community when armed men stormed the area and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
Sources in the community said the gunmen arrived in the area at night and moved directly to the residence of the elderly man. Witnesses said the attackers fired shots into the air to scare residents and force their way into the compound before dragging the victim out of his home.
It was gathered that the assailants did not take any other member of the household, but focused on their target before fleeing the area. The sudden nature of the attack threw the community into panic, with many residents running indoors for safety as gunshots rang out.
Family members of the victim were said to be in shock over the development and have appealed to security agencies to ensure his safe return. Community leaders also expressed concern over the incident, describing it as disturbing and unacceptable.
According to local sources, the victim is the father of a former deputy governor of Ebonyi State, a development that has given the incident a political and security dimension. Residents fear that the kidnapping could be linked to ransom demands or targeted intimidation.
Shortly after the abduction, the matter was reported to security agencies. Police operatives and other security personnel were said to have been deployed to the area to begin a search operation and track the movement of the kidnappers.
A police spokesperson in Ebonyi State confirmed the incident and said investigations are ongoing. The spokesperson said the command has launched a manhunt for the suspects and is working with other security agencies to rescue the victim unhurt.
“The command is aware of the incident and has deployed tactical teams to the area. Efforts are ongoing to ensure that the victim is rescued and the perpetrators are brought to justice,” the spokesperson said.
He urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives by providing any useful information that could help in locating the kidnappers. He also warned criminals operating in the state that their days are numbered.
Community members have described the abduction as a major setback to peace in the area. A resident said people now live in fear, especially at night, due to repeated cases of kidnapping and violent attacks.
“This is a respected family in this community, and this kind of thing should not be happening. If such a person can be taken, then nobody is safe,” the resident said.
Traditional leaders and youth groups in the area have also condemned the attack and called on the government to strengthen security in rural communities. They said criminals often take advantage of poor road networks and limited security presence to carry out their operations.
Security analysts say kidnappings in the South-East have increasingly targeted both ordinary citizens and prominent individuals, making it difficult to determine whether cases are politically motivated or purely criminal. They noted that forests and isolated roads provide hideouts for armed groups and kidnappers.
Meanwhile, sympathisers have continued to visit the family of the victim to express solidarity and pray for his safe return. Religious leaders in the community have also called for calm and urged residents not to take the law into their hands.
The state government has not yet issued an official statement on the incident, but sources said authorities are monitoring the situation closely. Residents are hoping that the victim will be released unharmed and that those behind the abduction will be arrested.
As of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand had been publicly confirmed, and the location of the abducted man remained unknown. Security operatives were said to be combing nearby forests and border communities in search of clues.
The abduction of the ex-deputy governor’s father has renewed calls for urgent action against kidnapping and violent crime in Ebonyi State. Many residents say the government must intensify efforts to secure communities and restore confidence among the people.
For now, the family and community remain in anxiety as they await news of the victim’s whereabouts, while security agencies continue their search for the gunmen responsible for the attack.
About the Author
