Gunmen ambush, kill popular Enugu politician Ejike Ukwueze

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have shot and killed a prominent politician, Ejike Ukwueze, in Enugu State.

According to reports, Ukwueze was killed on Friday night while travelling in a local area called Neke Odenigbo in Enugu East Local Government Area of the state.

In a popular video, Ukwueze and his convoy were shot multiple times, with bullet holes evident in the vehicle.

The victim is said to be the immediate younger brother of the late Chijioke Ukwueze, the member who represented Isi-Uzo Constituency in the Enugu State House of Assembly, who in 2020 slumped and died during a plenary session of the House.

A source close to the family alleged that they suspect the killing is politically motivated, suggesting it was an assassination as the victim was becoming influential in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area political circle.

“Yeah, I heard he was a strong contender. Aside from having the intention of running for the LG election, he was becoming a force in the Isi-Uzo political affairs, standing in for his dear late brother who was one of the most accepted and powerful political stakeholders in Isi-Uzo,” the source revealed.

Meanwhile, the police authorities in Enugu State are yet to comment on the incident.