Prof Emezue, DVC ABSU, Kidnapped, In First High Profile Abduction Under Governor Otti

By Daniel Maduka

The spate of kidnap for ransom and violent criminal activities rocking the South-east has continued.

On Friday, January 26, 2024, in Umuahia, the Abia state Capital,  the Deputy Vice Chancellor, DVC, Abia State university Uturu ,Professor Godwin Emezue was Kidnapped by gunmen.

Prof Emezue was reportedly abducted, bundled into  an SUV Lexus vehicle, and whisked away by three gunmen.

The wife of the DVC who narrated the ugly incident to the media, said the  abductors dragged her husband out of their vehicle while they were trying to refill at a  refilling station in Umuekwule Amachara area of Umuahia South Local Council of Abia state, and subsequently dragged him into their operation vehicle, and headed towards the Imo/ Abia border along Obowo/ Owerri Road.

This Magazine notes that the abduction of Prof Emezue marks  the first high profile kidnap incident under the regime of Governor Alex Otti in the State.

During must part of the immediate past administration of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, some parts of the State, particularly the Isuochi/ Umoneochi/ Uturu axis were known havens for  kidnappings and other violent criminal activities,with the Emeritus Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria His Eminence Most Rev Uche being one  of  the high profile victims.

However, with the bursting, a few months ago, of the numerous kidnap cells within the Lokpanta Cattle Market and environs by the present administration in the state , the menace appeared to have subsided.

Meanwhile, Prof Emezue’s family, and other concerned individuals have called on security agencies to take all necessary steps to rescue him .

As at the time of reporting, Saturday January 27 ,the abductors were yet to communicate with the family members of their victim.