As the festive season approaches, Nanka community residents are sounding the alarm bells over a surge in insecurity, with suspected unknown gunmen causing distress and fear through reported incidents of shooting and kidnapping in the area.
Speaking anonymously, residents expressed their concerns, citing recent unsettling events, notably the shooting of Joe Mohel, a chieftain of the Young People’s Party (YPP), and the kidnapping of Ichie Partrick Ezeanaka, identified as a chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
According to reports from an online media outlet, unknown gunmen, operating from a Lexus Jeep, allegedly shot Joe Mohel and abducted Ichie Ezeanaka after subjecting him to physical assault.
A spokesperson for the residents, speaking on behalf of Etti village, disclosed that preceding these incidents, there had been numerous attempted kidnappings in Nanka. In one instance, a PDP member narrowly escaped abduction by using his vehicle to ward off a kidnapper. Another incident involved the viral social media kidnapping of an individual who was tied down with a rope and later abandoned at Umuchukwu.
Expressing grave concern, the spokesperson emphasized, “this is getting out of hand, and the lives of all of us are in danger if something is not done urgently.” Urgent calls were made to security agents to intervene and provide adequate security, particularly as elections approach in some polling booths in Nanka Ward one.
Further investigations revealed that the unknown gunmen attempted to forcibly take Joe Mohel into their vehicle at gunpoint, resulting in a struggle during which he was shot. In contrast, Ichie Ezeanaka surrendered to the gunmen under duress and was subsequently taken away.
When contacted, the son of Ichie Ezeanaka revealed that there is no communication regarding his missing father yet, as the matter has been reported to relevant security agencies. The escalating insecurity raises concerns among residents, prompting a plea for swift intervention to safeguard lives and restore peace to the community.