In a shocking and brazen act of violence, gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), Prof. George Chima. The incident occurred on Friday, January 31, 2025, at his residence in Okigwe, Imo State, while he was hosting guests.
According to a family source, Prof. Chima was entertaining a group of lecturers from Abia State University, Uturu, when the gunmen, believed to be four in number, stormed his residence. The assailants harassed the visitors before forcibly taking Prof. Chima and whisking him away to an undisclosed location. The attack has sent shockwaves through both the academic and political communities in the region, raising concerns about the increasing rate of kidnapping incidents.
The Imo State Police Command quickly confirmed the abduction, with DSP Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the force, assuring the public that a thorough investigation was underway. He stated, “Yes, we are aware of the kidnap of the Professor, and we have commenced investigations. As I speak to you now, the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, personally led a team of officers to Okigwe. The police are assuring all that we will catch the kidnappers.”
Social media users, particularly on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have been vocal in expressing their outrage over the incident. One user wrote: “This is a disgrace. No one is safe anymore. The Chairman of ABSIEC is abducted in broad daylight? We need stronger security in our states.” Many others have called for immediate action from both the state and federal governments to ensure the safety of citizens and hold kidnappers accountable.
This abduction has further highlighted the escalating insecurity in the region, particularly the surge in kidnappings for ransom. Prof. Chima’s abduction is a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures and citizens alike, and the need for enhanced security measures across Nigeria. The police have vowed to intensify their efforts to locate and arrest the perpetrators, but many Nigerians are left wondering how long the government will allow such criminal acts to continue unchecked.
