The Coordinator of Oshiri Development Centre in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Agu Opu Odefa, has recounted how he narrowly escaped being kidnapped and killed by hoodlums in his community.
In a petition to the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Odefa alleged that the attack was carried out by suspected cultists from the area who attempted to abduct him to an undisclosed location with the intention of killing him.
According to the petition, dated September 29, 2025, and signed by his counsel, Barrister S.U. Ununu of Ununu & Ununu (Big Bird Chambers), the incident occurred on Saturday, September 27, at about 10 pm at Panna Hotels, Oshiri.
The suspects were identified as Chinenye Okoro (alias Iweobe), Unah Emmanuel Chukwudi (alias Importer), Chijioke Elom (alias Dealer), Tochukwu Isaiah (alias Politics), among others.
The petition alleged that the assailants attempted to force Odefa onto one of the motorcycles they came with.
When he resisted, they attacked him with machetes and axes.
The Coordinator reportedly sustained multiple deep cuts but managed to escape the scene.
He is currently hospitalized and receiving medical treatment.
His lawyer, Barrister Ununu, also stated that the attackers vandalized Odefa’s official vehicle, valued at about ₦70 million.
“The suspects threatened to kill and kidnap our client on the date of the incident, which they attempted to execute. Our client, who narrowly escaped with his life, is still in hospital receiving treatment,” the petition read in part.
The petition urged the police to arrest and prosecute the suspects for alleged conspiracy, attempted kidnap and murder, armed robbery, cultism, and malicious damage to government property.
As of press time, the Ebonyi State Police Command had yet to release a formal statement on the matter.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the division is on the trail of the suspects.
“The suspects would be soon arrested and paraded for the attack on the Coordinator,” Ukandu assured, adding that the Division Police Officer also confirmed the incident and ongoing efforts to bring the culprits to justice.
