Delta Poly Governing Council Chair kidnapped

vTHE fragile peace in Uzere
community, Isoko South Local
Government Area, Delta State, was,
Sunday, shattered, following the kidnap
of the Chairman, Governing Council, of
the state Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku,
Professor Abednego Ekoko, by gunmen.
Ekoko, it was gathered, was driving into
his country home on his way from Oleh,
where he attended a church service,
when he was abducted at the gate and
whisked away in a Toyota Sienna car to
an unknown destination by the heavily
armed kidnappers numbering four.
A source who craved anonymity, said
the renowned educationist was with his
daughter and driver in his car when the
kidnappers swooped on him, adding
that the hoodlums shot sporadically into
the air before they bundled their victim
into the waiting car and sped off.
When our correspondent visited the
community, which had been embroiled
in kingship tussle, yesterday, residents
were still wearing mournful looks. A few
of them who spoke with Vanguard,
described Professor Ekoko as a man
who has the interest of his community
at heart.
The people, who do not want their
names in print, appealed to the
kidnappers to release Professor Ekoko
unhurt. The source said the kidnappers
were yet to establish contact with the
Ekoko family.
Confirming the incident, a senior police
officer attached to Oleh Police Division,
who pleaded anonymity, said no arrest
had been made. He said the police had
commenced investigation into the
matter, expressing optimism that the
suspected kidnappers would be
apprehended and brought to book