Romanus Okoli, ex-chairman of Nnewi South local government area in Anambra, has appealed to abductors of Uzozie Chukwujekwu, an Ukpor-based businessman and farmer, to release him.

Mr Okoli, who made the appeal in a statement in Awka on Sunday, said Mr Uzozie needs to be freed to take care of his son that was shot.

Mr Uzozie was abducted by gunmen who stormed his Ukpor home in the early hours of Saturday and shot his only son in the attack.

Mr Okoli, also an indigene of Ukpor community, described Uzozie as a good man who would not hurt a fly.

He said the kidnap victim, who worked with him as a special adviser when he was a council chairman back in 2002, was a bosom friend who had been contributing selflessly to the development of Ukpor.

According to him, Mr Uzozie is the vice president of Ukpor Improvement Union (UIU) and a community Leader.

“Uzozie Chukwujekwu is a very amiable person who cannot hurt a fly. He is a committed member and a pillar of St Andrews Anglican Church, Umuohama, Ukpor, where his wife is the Women’s Guild President,” he said.

Mr Okoli pleaded with the kidnappers to release the Ukpor community leader immediately and unconditionally.

“Uzozie is a struggler just like any other average Nigerian. He was a teacher before venturing into petty business, he travels between Ukpor and Nnobi everyday just to put food on the family table,” added Mr Okoli. “He is a farmer who sells agro products but more importantly, he is serving humanity.”

Police spokesman DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the abduction of Mr Uzozie, said a manhunt had been launched to rescue him.

(NAN)