A fresh wave of sorrow has swept through Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, following the killing of a resident by suspected kidnappers on Sunday, June 15, 2025.
The killing came barely one week after the gruesome murder of Mrs. Love Nwafor, of Obiagu Lekwesi, Umuchieze, by suspected kidnappers, after being abducted along Amuda road while returning home after a visit to Isuochi.
Digital TimesNG reports that the Sunday attack reportedly occurred around Ugwuodu, between Amuda and Umuaku Isuochi, and has sparked renewed concerns over the rising spate of insecurity in the area.
Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Hon. Sunny Afurobi, who confirmed the incident in an official statement, expressed profound grief and anger over the loss of an innocent life.
“It is with deep sadness that I received the ugly news of the killing of one of our brothers,” he said. “I am mostly pained by this total act of wickedness meted against an innocent citizen of Umunneochi.”
According to the mayor, a distress call was received at the time of the incident, prompting immediate communication with local security agencies including the police and military units. However, by the time operatives arrived at the scene, the assailants had fled, leaving behind the fatal casualty.
The killing, which took place along a known flashpoint, has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of recent security measures. “It baffles me that such kidnapping and murder would occur within a place we have a security flashpoint, being manned by the operatives of Operation Crush,” Mayor Afurobi lamented.
He noted that the security structure in Umunneochi had recently been overhauled, and a directive had been issued to security forces to extend their operational hours beyond 10:00 p.m. in vulnerable areas.
The mayor warned that criminal elements are attempting to undermine the gains made by the administration of Governor Alex Chioma Otti in securing the state.
“Miscreants are trying everything within their reach to sabotage the already made gains by the administration of Governor Dr Alex Chioma Otti,” he stated. “But be rest assured that no stone will be left unturned towards nipping in the bud the resurgence of kidnapping and other forms of criminality in Umunneochi.”
In response to the incident, Mayor Afurobi revealed that he had contacted top military and police officials, including the Commanding Officers of the Ohafia Military Base and the 143 Battalion, Isuikwuato, as well as the Commissioner of Police in Abia State.
The governor and his Special Adviser on Security have also been briefed and have responded with a commitment to decisive action.
“The Military authorities have assured that there will be a permanent Military Operational Base at Ugwuodu to curb the incessant insecurity along Amuda to Umuaku road,” the mayor disclosed.
He further announced plans to convene emergency meetings with all security agencies in the LGA and separately with leaders of the three major blocs—Isuochi, Nneato, and Umuchieze—as well as key youth representatives.
In a message of condolence, the mayor sympathized with the bereaved family and prayed for comfort and strength. “I sympathize with the family of the murdered victim and urge them to bear this colossal loss with fortitude, as we pray that God will console all the people he left behind and grant his soul eternal rest.”
Mayor Afurobi called for calm and unity in the face of the tragedy. “I plead that we remain calm and law-abiding in the midst of all the wicked and mindless provocations and killings of our innocent relations and loved ones,” he urged.
“This is not a time for blame games, but rather a time for sober reflections and working together in oneness and love, to chase out the monster of insecurity daring us.”
He appealed to residents to provide useful information that can aid security efforts, emphasizing that protecting lives and property is a collective responsibility. “We must rise up to the challenge courageously,” he concluded, thanking the people of Umunneochi for their continued support and prayers.