A youth leader of the Peoples Democratic Party in Awka, Anambra State, Onyeka Bonaventure Oyeoka, has reportedly been kidnapped again, raising fresh concerns over the security situation in the state.
Oyeoka, who was said to be the Youth Chairman and PDP coordinator for Ward 8 in Ifite Awka, was reportedly abducted on December 10 while returning from his shop.
The latest incident reportedly occurred after he had previously been kidnapped in March 2023.
According to information provided by his associates, Oyeoka sustained serious injuries to both legs during his previous captivity, allegedly as a result of physical abuse and harsh treatment by his abductors.
The source further alleged that about two days after Oyeoka was kidnapped during the earlier incident, the kidnappers went to his residence and abducted his daughter, Joy Onyeka.
However, Joy reportedly escaped during an exchange of gunfire between the police and the kidnappers.
The latest reported abduction of Oyeoka has heightened concerns among his associates and residents over the security situation in Anambra State, particularly amid reports of recurring kidnapping incidents.
His associates appealed to the Nigeria Police Force and other relevant security agencies to urgently investigate the circumstances surrounding the repeated abductions and strengthen security measures across the state.
They also called for increased efforts to protect residents, business owners and political actors from criminal attacks.
The associates expressed concern that repeated incidents of kidnapping could undermine public confidence and make residents increasingly vulnerable.
They urged the police and other security agencies to intensify intelligence gathering, improve response mechanisms and ensure that those responsible for kidnapping and other violent crimes are brought to justice.