In a brazen act of criminality, the Chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC), Prof. George Chima, has been abducted by gunmen at his residence in Okigwe, Imo State.
According to Sahara Reporters, who broke the news via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the daring abduction took place while Prof. Chima was hosting lecturers from Abia State University, Uturu.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that four armed men stormed the premises and attempted to kidnap Prof. Chima using his personal vehicle, which his driver was washing at the time. However, their plan hit an unexpected snag when the vehicle failed to start despite multiple attempts. Undeterred, the kidnappers quickly commandeered a passing vehicle carrying logs of wood, forcibly loading the ABSIEC chairman inside before speeding off into the night.
When contacted, the Abia State Police Command spokesperson declined to provide immediate details, stating, “I will get back to you on it after a proper investigation.”
Prof. Chima’s abduction has raised eyebrows, with many speculating whether the incident could be linked to the controversial local government elections he supervised in November 2024. The poll results shocked political analysts, as the ruling Labour Party (LP) failed to secure a single seat. Instead, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) swept 15 local government chairmanship positions, while the Young Progressive Party (YPP) claimed two.
Despite the outcome, Prof. Chima urged all participants to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. However, with his sudden kidnapping, questions are now swirling: Could political enemies be behind this attack? Was his role in the election a factor, or is this another case of rising insecurity in the region?
Authorities have yet to make any arrests, and the whereabouts of the ABSIEC chairman remain unknown. As the search intensifies, Nigerians are left hoping for his safe return.
Stay tuned as more details emerge.
PIONEER NEWS 