Monday Osayande, Warri
The apex socio-cultural organisation of the Urhobo ethnic nationality, Urhobo Progressive Union (UPU), has been thrown into confusion following the kidnap of the world president of the youth wing, Comrade Ovie Igho Anthony, by gunmen on Friday night.
He was said to be returning to his Abraka home from Warri where a meeting was held at the Urhobo Cultural Centre when the gun-wielding men who had laid an ambush struck along the PTI Effurun-Eku-Abraka road.
The youth leader, along with four other members of the union, was travelling on the official bus of the youth wing of the UPU otherwise known as Ighelle R’ Urhobo when they ran into the hoodlums who robbed them of all belonging and before whisking the victim away.
According to a source, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa who has been briefed of the incident, has called security chiefs in the state to ensure that the victim was rescued immediately.
A friend of the victim, Eric Okunima who also confirmed the incident, added that the hoodlums had not established any contact with the family.
Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Celestina Kalu, said while also confirming the kidnap, that men of the anti-kidnapping team and military personnel as well as local vigilante groups have been dispatched to rescue the foremost Niger Delta youth leader.
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