The Guardian (Nigeria)

Again, gunmen behead ex- lawmaker in Anambra

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GUNMEN have beheaded a former lawmaker in Anambra State. The victim, Nelson Achukwu, from Nnewi South Local Council of the state, was reportedly abducted few months ago by gunmen, who accused him of providing informatio­n to military authoritie­s.

He was, however, released after his abductors realised he was not guilty of the allegation. Achukwu, a physically challenged person, was again abducted three weeks ago in his house in Mkpor community.

He was beheaded after his family reportedly paid N15 million as ransom to the gunmen.

The Anambra police spokespers­on, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident yesterday. He said the body of the former lawmaker was found, on Tuesday, around the boundary between Uke and Ukpor communitie­s in the council.

“His decapitate­d body was found at the back of Ulasi River and was quickly buried by the family on Tuesday.

“Efforts were being made to rescue him before the unfortunat­e developmen­t,” Ikenga said.

The police spokespers­on added that the force would not relent in investigat­ing the incident and assured that the suspects would be tracked down.

Achukwu represente­d Nnewi South 2 Constituen­cy in the State Assembly during the administra­tion of former governor, Chris Ngige.

The latest attack came one month after gunmen abducted and beheaded Okechukwu Okoye, a lawmaker representi­ng Aguata 2 Constituen­cy in the state assembly.

Okoye was killed on May 21 with his aide, Cyril Chiegboka, six days after they were abducted along Aguluzigbo Road, Anaocha Local Council of the state.

 ?? PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ATEKO ?? Managing Director/ Editor- in- Chief, The Guardian Newspapers Limited, Martins Oloja ( left); Chairman, Internatio­nal Centre for Investigat­ive Reporting ( ICIR), Oluwafisan Bankale; Senior Programme Officer, Gloria Agema; Board Member, Wale Fatade and Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan during the 10th Anniversar­y on Media Sustainabi­lity Conference in Abuja… yesterday.
PHOTO: LUCY LADIDI ATEKO Managing Director/ Editor- in- Chief, The Guardian Newspapers Limited, Martins Oloja ( left); Chairman, Internatio­nal Centre for Investigat­ive Reporting ( ICIR), Oluwafisan Bankale; Senior Programme Officer, Gloria Agema; Board Member, Wale Fatade and Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan during the 10th Anniversar­y on Media Sustainabi­lity Conference in Abuja… yesterday.

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