A gang of four men, suspected to be kidnappers, yesterday abducted 82-year-old Pa Louis Azubogu, in Nnewi, after missing their target, a member of the House of Representatives for Nnewi North, Nnewi South and Ekwusigo federal constituency. Hon. Chris Azubogu.
LEADERSHIP learnt that Pa Azubogu was abducted by the armed gang at about 6.30 am in his Akabo-Ngo Umudim, Nnewi country home, while preparing for church. The octogenarian is a member of the Anglican Church.
It was also gathered that the lawmaker son of the octogenarian was the target of the kidnappers as they first inquired after the lawmaker when they scaled through the fence into the compound and tied up the security man.
But the kidnappers took Pa Azubogu with them when it became obvious that neither the lawmaker nor his wife whom they also asked after was at home.
A source also told LEADERSHIP that, “They were four in number and were carrying guns. They tied the gate man and were asking of Honourable and his wife because they seem to have sighted his vehicle yesterday (Saturday).
When they were told they are not in town, they asked about his father, who was preparing to go to church, how much he has and he said N7, 000. They slapped him and bundled him out of the compound to their vehicle, parked a distance away from the compound. No one knew the kind of vehicle they came with.”
The source further said that the Divisional Police Officer in the area and the Nnewi Area Commander had visited the home of the Azubogus.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Emeka Chukwuemeka (ASP), said that the command had begun investigation to trace the abductors and rescue the octogenarian.
He said: “The incident happened at about 6.30am. We have mobilised our men to the area, the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), the Anti Terrorists Squad (ATS) and others. We are searching all the places we are suspecting to be hideouts and I assure you we will make headway before long.”