Former lawmaker kidnapped in owerri

By Chidi Nkwopara, Owerri

Former member of the National Assembly, who represented Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Chief Tony Eze Okere, has been kidnapped from his residence in Owerri, by unknown gunmen.

Apart from being a former lawmaker, Okere meritoriously served the Ikedi Ohakim administration as Special Adviser to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs.

Feelers from his Obiakpu, Egbema country home indicate that his captors have not only opened up on the ransom to be paid by the family for his release, but have equally made a N3 million demand.

Saturday Vanguard recalls that the whereabouts and safety of the former Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Godfrey Dikeocha, who was kidnapped more than five weeks ago has remained a mirage.

Meanwhile, a combined team of policemen and soldiers yesterday, arrested a man in Owerri for allegedly being in possession of a pistol.

It was not clear at press time what ignited the suspicion of the security operatives stationed at the Okigwe Road Roudabout, Owerri, but they reportedly accosted him at first sight.

An eyewitness recounted that what started like a melodrama eventually paid off when the suspect was searched and a pistol was found on him.

The man, who was simply identified as Stephen, was immediately moved away to either the police or 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, Obinze, for further interrogation.

via Vanguard