Fresh Graduate Murdered in Abia as Council Boss Vows Justice

A tragic incident in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State has left the community in shock after gunmen murdered a fresh graduate of Petrochemical Engineering from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The victim, Precious Chidozie James, was shot dead by hooded assailants near his family compound in the early hours of Wednesday, February 5, 2025.

Chidozie, who was preparing for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, had accompanied his elder brother, Enyeribe James, the head of the Ukwa East/Ukwa West anti-bunkering task force of the Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), on a routine patrol when the attack occurred. Reports indicate that the brothers were ambushed by gunmen who emerged from the bush and opened fire on their convoy. Chidozie, who was driving a Tundra truck, was killed instantly, while his elder brother managed to escape into the bush.

Local authorities were alerted, and officers from the Obehie Police Station, led by DSP Ibrahim, recovered the victim’s body at approximately 9:35 a.m. the same day. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the killing, and the victim’s family is calling on government agencies to ensure justice is served.

Reacting to the incident, the Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Dike Nwankwo, condemned the killing as unacceptable. He stated that initial investigations by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukwa Division had yet to yield any leads on the perpetrators. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Johnson Ihunanya Nwosu, the Mayor vowed that authorities would take swift action, emphasizing that such violent attacks pose a direct threat to public safety.

In response, he ordered the intensification of security operations across Ukwa West, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance against organized crime, hired assassins, and any attempts to destabilize local communities. He assured residents that security agencies, including the Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), were working diligently to track down those responsible for the killing.