Gunmen have killed a prominent chief in Nimo community, Njikoka local government area of Anambra State, Ogbuefi Ozo Nnanyelugo.
They collected N15 million ransom from members of his family and still went ahead to neutralise him.
The community leader and elder statesman, who was a member of Nimo Royal Cabinet, was abducted in his farm by the kidnappers.
A witness said the masked assailants stormed the farm, causing panic among workers, who fled the scene, leaving the High Chief vulnerable.
He was taken away at gunpoint, and the abductors later demanded ransom.
According to the witness, despite the payment of a ₦15 million ransom to secure his release, the abductors killed him and dumped his body on his farm.
He said that the lifeless body of the Chief bearing deep machete cuts to the head was later found dumped on the same farmland where he was kidnapped, a development that has sent shockwaves through the community.
The witness described the incident as “barbaric and senseless,” lamenting that even after the ransom was paid, the perpetrators still chose to take the life of the revered Royal cabinet member.
Security operatives have since cordoned off the area, and investigations were said to be ongoing to track down those behind the heinous act.
The Anambra State Police Command has, however, yet to issue a statement on the incident.
The community has already called on security agencies and the Anambra State government to ensure the killers were brought to justice and to take urgent steps to stem the rising tide of violent crime in the area. [Vanguard]
