Unknown Gunmen Recks Havoc, Kills 76 Years Old James Ugwunali, Kidnap Wife

Barley two weeks after yet to be identified gunmen invaded a Catholic Church during a Eucharistic Celebration killing over 50 worshipers including women, children in the state, gunmen suspected to be Fulani Herdsmen have killed Mr. James Ugwunali of Obogwe in Ohaji Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State thereby, creating panic and tension within the community which has in recent times, witnessed untold insecurity including kidnapping for ransom.

The gunmen equally kidnapped his wife Mrs. Ugwunali while returning from work whose lifeless body was found two days after by the authorities after payment of ramson.

According to our impeccable source who pleaded anonymity due to the fear of the unknown when our correspondents visited the Community at the hip of the insecurity, the Late James Ugwunali was a community man who devoted his life in serving humanity.

The source hinted that his killing may be connected to the earlier warning issued to the family of Ugwunali by yet to be identified people who vowed that they will stop at nothing unless they kill every member of the family through a note posted at the entrance of their compound which generated tension amongst the members of the family.

In his word, “while we are still grieving on the killing of Mr. James Ugwunali which has brought palpable fear as a result, people are fleeing from the community, his wife; a gentle woman with heart of gold who was kidnapped was found lifeless after two days. We are in total shock and disbelieve that such calamity could befall the family”.

He further added that since the end of the civil war which started in 1966, the area has never had any peace nor the people sleep with their two eyes closed as result of killings and kidnappings.

According to him, “our people are gruesomely massacred on daily basis, raped and attacked in their farms. The killing of James and the wife, have renewed sort of wound in their hearts”

In an emotion leaden voice, a visibly traumatized Mary Chioma Ugwunali who spoke to our correspondent from her hiding place as there are indications that the assailants may strike again, described their current situation as disastrous and was unable to continue the conversation due to her inability to control her tears.