Hon. Patrick Agha Mba, the Commissioner for Youth Development in Anambra State, and his wife have been reportedly kidnapped in Kogi State. The couple was on their way to Abuja to attend the wedding of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s daughter, scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 17. Tragically, Kpajie ABK Offiah, a youth leader from Onitsha and a prominent member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was traveling with them, was shot dead by the kidnappers.
The harrowing incident has sent shockwaves through the Anambra State community and beyond. Sources indicate that the kidnapping occurred while the commissioner and his entourage were en route to the nation’s capital. The group was making the journey to attend the wedding of Adaora Soludo, the daughter of the Anambra State Governor, whose traditional wedding took place last weekend.
Details of the attack remain sketchy, but it is understood that the kidnappers ambushed the commissioner and his party at an undisclosed location in Kogi State. In the ensuing chaos, Offiah, who was accompanying the couple, was fatally shot by the assailants. The commissioner and his wife were then forcefully taken away by the kidnappers.
The motive behind the kidnapping is still unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. However, kidnapping for ransom has become a growing concern in many parts of Nigeria, including Kogi State, which has seen a rise in such incidents in recent years.
The news of the kidnapping has not yet been officially confirmed by the Anambra State government or security agencies, but it has sparked widespread concern among residents of the state. Many are anxiously awaiting further information on the fate of the commissioner and his wife, as well as the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Offiah.
Kpajie ABK Offiah, the victim of the fatal shooting, was a well-known figure in Onitsha and a staunch supporter of APGA. His death has been met with grief and anger, as he was respected for his contributions to youth development and political engagement in the state. Offiah’s role as a youth leader had made him a prominent figure in the community, and his loss is being deeply felt by those who knew him.
The kidnapping and murder have cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for the Soludo family. The wedding of Governor Soludo’s daughter, Adaora, was expected to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country. However, the tragic turn of events has left many in shock and mourning.
As of now, the whereabouts of Hon. Patrick Agha Mba and his wife remain unknown. Security forces in Kogi State and neighboring regions have reportedly launched a manhunt for the kidnappers in an effort to secure the safe release of the couple. The incident has once again highlighted the security challenges facing Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become an all-too-common occurrence.
In the wake of the incident, there have been calls for increased security measures along major highways, particularly in states like Kogi, where travellers have become vulnerable to such attacks. The Nigerian government has been urged to intensify efforts to combat the rising wave of kidnappings and ensure the safety of its citizens.
