Onitsha Transporter, Okeke, Kidnapped
By Chukwujekwu Ilozue , Reporter, Onitsha

Luxury bus operator, Godwin Ubaka Okeke, was kidnapped on Sunday in Onitsha by about 12 armed men, ostensibly for ransom, seven days after the release of Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, who was also abducted in the city.

Okeke, proprietor of GUO Transport Company, was snatched at All Saints Cathedral, Anglican Communion as he came out from the Sunday service.
The gunmen operated with a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) and a Toyota commuter bus, according to eyewitnesses, who said they first dislodged officers from the central police station before they struck at the church nearby.

They also fired gunshots from the adjoining streets before they grabbed Okeke - a man aged 70, but known for agility and security consciousness, and who was with his body guard during the incident.

An eyewitness said when the kidnappers saw Okeke coming out from the church, they went directly for him after firing shots to destabilise his security.

Okeke himself went for the front man of the kidnappers, brought him down, and collected his gun.

But before he could shoot, other kidnappers swooped on him from behind, and beat him with the butts of their guns.

It is widely believed that gunshots do not penetrate him.

It took over 10 minutes before the abductors could force Okeke into their car, after which they escaped through Awka Road, where they also fired gun shots into the air, throwing the commercial city into panic.

Onitsha Police Area Commander, John Nwele, confirmed that policemen are tracking the kidnappers.

Information and Culture Commissioner, Maja Umeh said Governor Peter Obi has contacted the security agencies over the matter, including Inspector General of Police, Ogbonanya Onovo, and Army Commanders.

Umeh said kidnappings another national crimes creeping into the state are unacceptable, and urged the police to contain the situation urgently.
Meanwhile, Obu urged the people to remain calm and go about their businesses, as the government will protect their lives and property.

Harry Potter:

wait u ppl dont seems 2 understand the man they kidnaped,in the person of G U Okeke, is nothing but a treat 2 his fellow transporters and traders at onitsha main market.could you imagine he went and bribe the custom ppl 2 seize any goods coming 2 onitsha main market dat is not in his luxurious bus and mke the owner pay more than he was charged 4 his transporting.dis is pure greediness and wickedness and even the onitsha M M traders are happy 4 his abduction.

Harry Potter:

could you imagine he went and bribe the custom ppl 2 seize any goods coming 2 onitsha main market dat is not in his luxurious bus and mke the owner pay more than he was charged 4 his transporting.dis is pure greediness and wickedness and even the onitsha M M traders are happy 4 his abduction.

desgiezd:

What then is OMATA doing about this?

redsun:

Judging by his character,i think he deserves to kpeme for good,it is a good opportunity for getting rid of a nuisance like him.

Edochie was just a victim of actions of men like him.

candylips:

haba that is not nice