In a tragic turn of events, the former member representing Orumba North and South Federal Constituency, Hon. Okwudili Ezenwankwo, has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Nze Joseph Mohale Ezenwegbu and the abduction of his campaign coordinator, Chief Patrick Ezeanaka, in Nanka Ward 1 by unidentified gunmen.
Hon. Ezenwankwo, recently victorious in court cases against his rival Hon. Chinwe Nnabuife, spoke to the media after a condolence visit to the deceased’s family. Expressing his shock and sorrow, he called on Almighty God to expose those responsible for the heinous act. He further appealed to the Commissioner of Police and all security agencies to come to the rescue of the terrorized Nanka Community.
Declaring Saturday, November 11, 2023, as a black day in Nanka, Hon. Ezenwankwo revealed the chilling details of the attack in Etti Village, his political stronghold. Masked gunmen stormed the area, targeting Chief Joe Mohale Ezenwegbu and Chief Patrick Ezeanaka. In a white Lexus 350 SUV, the assailants forcibly abducted Ezeanaka while Ezenwegbu, attempting to flee, was fatally shot. Friends rushed Ezenwegbu to Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.
The former lawmaker, deeply affected by the incident, called for the dismantling of the suspected safe haven of these unknown gunmen, believed to be headquartered in Umunze, Orumba South Local Government Area.
Hon. Ezenwankwo highlighted a series of recent security incidents in Nanka, emphasizing the urgent need for law enforcement agencies to address the escalating insecurity. He criticized the politicization of the tragic events by his rival, accusing her of instigating insecurity in Nanka for political gains. Hon. Ezenwankwo appealed for an end to such manipulations and called for a thorough investigation by the Commissioner of Police to bring the perpetrators to justice.
In the midst of mourning, Hon. Ezenwankwo urged those playing politics with the tragedy to cease their actions, warning that the “God of Nanka People” would visit them with similar calamities. He reiterated the need for a united condemnation of the barbaric acts, emphasizing that security concerns should transcend political affiliations.
As Nanka grapples with the aftermath of the violent incident, the former federal lawmaker remains resolute in his call for justice and the restoration of peace to the beleaguered community.