Fear has taken over the Nimo community in Anambra State after unknown gunmen kidnapped and killed a popular traditional titleholder despite collecting a N15 million ransom.
The victim, Chief Ozor Augustine Chido, also known as ‘High Chief Ozo na Nimo’, was a respected elder and member of the Nimo Royal Cabinet. He was abducted from his pig farm in Nimo on June 19 while supervising workers.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers came with masks and weapons, causing workers to flee the farm in fear. “They pointed guns at him and dragged him away. We were all shocked,” one of the workers told reporters.
Soon after the abduction, the kidnappers called the chief’s family and demanded a ransom of N15 million. The family paid the money, but the chief was not released. Days later, his body was found dumped near the same farm, with deep machete cuts to his head.
The state police confirmed the killing on Friday through their spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the lifeless body was found on June 23. “The victim was allegedly abducted on June 19. Sadly, his body was recovered near his farm four days later,” Ikenga said.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has extended his condolences to the family and the Nimo community. Police have cordoned off the area and launched an investigation to find the killers.
“The command sympathises with the victim’s family and assures that it shall leave no stone unturned in unmasking the suspects behind the dastardly act,” Ikenga said.
