The Ukwa West Mayor, Pst. Dike Briggs Nwankwo, has stated that his administration would not rest until those behind the gruesome murder of a Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, are apprehended and brought to justice.
Nwankwo stated this, on Wednesday, in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Rev. Johnson Ihunanya Nwosu.
The press statement is reproduced below:
The Ukwa West Local Government Council Mayor Pst Dike Briggs Nwankwo expresses deep outrage and unequivocally condemns the cold-blooded and extra-judicial killing of Mr. Precious Chiedozie James, a young graduate of Petrochemical Engineering from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. This tragic and barbaric act, which occurred in Owaza on February 5, 2025, is an affront to the rule of law and an assault on the security and stability of our local government.
For the past one week, this administration has monitored ongoing security investigations and gathered intelligence from relevant agencies to ascertain the circumstances surrounding this premeditated and calculated assassination. While we acknowledge that investigations are still unfolding, we find it unacceptable that armed elements could operate with such audacity and impunity.
Initial reports from the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ukwa Division, confirm that they have no clue yet of the assailants and therefore concluded they are unknown gunmen. There are also rumours that they are state security agents against oil bunkering. However, our administration will not rest until every individual responsible is apprehended and brought to justice. So we call on those who carried out this dastardly act to come forward with explanations if they are not assailants.
The reckless and deliberate targeting of innocent citizens under any guise is a direct threat to public order, and we will deploy all available mechanisms to ensure that the full force of the law is applied without delay.
To this end, the Mayor has directed the intensification of security operations across Ukwa West, with a zero-tolerance stance against organized criminal networks, hired assassins, and any elements attempting to destabilize the communities.
The government is working in close coordination with law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security stakeholders, to unravel the masterminds behind this heinous act.
Let it be categorically stated that Ukwa West will not become a breeding ground for lawlessness, and this government will not tolerate any act of criminality that undermines the safety and well-being of our people. The government therefore demands a continuous and more comprehensive explanation from all relevant security units, and assures the public that this administration will pursue justice relentlessly.
The Mayor urges all residents to remain vigilant and proactive in providing intelligence to security agencies, as collective action remains key in eliminating criminal threats.
Signed:
Rev Johnson Ihunanya Nwosu, Chief Press Secretary to the Mayor of Ukwa West Local Government Area
Abia State.
