Tragedy struck in Owaza, Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, as gunmen killed a fresh graduate of Petrochemical Engineering from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Precious Chidozie James.
Chidozie, who was preparing for the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, was shot dead in the early hours of Wednesday, February 5, 2025, while accompanying his elder brother, Enyeribe James, on a night patrol.
Enyeribe, who heads the Ukwa East/Ukwa West anti-bunkering task force of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), was reportedly on duty when the assailants struck at about 2:15 am. Eyewitnesses said the attackers emerged from the bush and opened fire on their vehicles, killing Chidozie instantly. Enyeribe, however, managed to escape into the bush.
Officers from the Obehie Police Station, led by DSP Ibrahim, arrived at the scene around 9:35 am and evacuated the victim’s body.
The attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in the area, with residents calling on authorities to step up efforts to curb violent crimes.
