The community of Owaza in Ukwa West Local Government Area, Abia State, was thrown into mourning as fresh graduate Mr. Precious Chidozie James was tragically shot dead by hooded gunmen on February 5, 2025.
Chidozie, a recent graduate in Petrochemical Engineering from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, had just completed his academic studies and was preparing to serve his country through the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). However, his promising future was cruelly cut short during an ambush that occurred in the early hours of the morning.
According to reports, the incident unfolded around 2:15 am, when Chidozie accompanied his elder brother, Enyeribe James, on a night patrol. Enyeribe, who serves as the head of the Ukwa East/Ukwa West anti-bunkering task force for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), was conducting security patrols in the area. The two were driving in a Tundra truck when they were ambushed by gunmen who emerged from the surrounding bush.
A community source disclosed that the gunmen began shooting at the two vehicles, targeting Chidozie and his brother. Tragically, Chidozie was fatally hit by the gunfire, while his elder brother managed to escape into the bush, avoiding injury. The attackers then fled the scene, leaving the young graduate’s lifeless body behind.
The victim’s body was later recovered at approximately 9:35 am by officers from the Obehie Police Station, led by DSP Ibrahim. Despite efforts from local law enforcement, no group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing, leaving both the police and the family searching for answers.
The news of Chidozie’s death has left the community in shock and grief. His family, friends, and the local population have been left devastated by the loss of a young man with a bright future. As a fresh graduate, Chidozie had been full of hopes for his upcoming service year with the NYSC. The senseless killing of the 24-year-old has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice.
The victim’s family is now calling on government agencies, security forces, and relevant authorities to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. Chidozie’s tragic death is seen as yet another reminder of the growing security concerns in parts of the country, where lawless elements seem to target vulnerable individuals.
The Mayor of Ukwa West LGA, Dike Nwankwo, has condemned the killing, calling it “unacceptable.” In a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Johnson Ihunanya Nwosu, the Mayor expressed his shock and sorrow at the loss of a promising young man and reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to ensuring justice.
“The reckless and deliberate targeting of innocent citizens under any guise is a direct threat to public order,” Nwankwo said. “We will deploy all available mechanisms to ensure that the full force of the law is applied without delay.”
He went on to address the seriousness of the situation, calling on local law enforcement and security agencies to intensify their efforts to investigate the murder. “We are working closely with the Police, Department of State Services, and other security agencies to unravel the killers and bring them to justice,” he stated.
In response to the growing concern, the Mayor has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations across Ukwa West. This will include a zero-tolerance stance towards organized criminal activities, hired assassins, and anyone seeking to destabilize the community. The local government is committed to ensuring that the people of Ukwa West can live and work in peace, without fear of attack.
The increased security presence is expected to serve as a deterrent to criminal elements in the region, with officials stating that no stone will be left unturned in bringing the perpetrators of this crime to justice. The Mayor has also encouraged community members to report any suspicious activities in their area and to work together with security agencies to ensure the safety of all residents.
The murder of Precious Chidozie James is part of a worrying trend of insecurity in parts of Abia State and the broader South East region. Local authorities have been struggling to tackle the growing threat of criminal activities, including armed robbery, kidnapping, and illegal bunkering, which has become a major issue in areas such as Ukwa West.
The killing of Chidozie James also highlights the risks faced by individuals involved in security operations, as his elder brother, Enyeribe James, leads efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering in the region. Such operations have made individuals like Enyeribe targets for criminal groups, who are often involved in illegal activities that threaten both local communities and the economy.
Community leaders, civil society groups, and residents of Abia State have urged the government to prioritise the safety of its citizens, particularly in rural areas where the presence of law enforcement is often limited. The ongoing insecurity is seen as a major challenge that hampers development and the quality of life for many in the state.
For the family of Chidozie James, the loss is especially painful. He had just completed his degree in Petrochemical Engineering and was eager to begin his service year with the NYSC, a stepping stone that many young Nigerians look forward to as they start their careers. His untimely death has left a void in the family and the community, as a promising future was tragically ended in a senseless act of violence.