The family of Pastor Ikenna Ofodile, a native of Umudora Anam, Anambra West LGA, has issued a heartfelt appeal to the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, security agencies, and community stakeholders to assist in the rescue of their missing relative, who was reportedly abducted during the recent violent clash between Umuoba Anam and Aguleri communities.
According to the family, Pastor Ofodile was abducted on January 28, 2025, while supervising work at his site in Aguleri. Witnesses allege that he was taken by a group of youths amid the ongoing communal conflict. Since the incident, all efforts to contact his abductors or secure his release have reportedly proved futile.
Speaking to reporters, a family representative described their anguish, saying, “We are pleading with all prominent ndi Omambala, religious leaders, and concerned citizens, particularly Aguleri stakeholders to raise their voices and urge the holders to release our brother to us. We have neither seen nor heard from him since the day he was taken, and this has left our family in deep distress.”
The family further called on Governor Soludo to deploy every available resource to ensure the safe return of Pastor Ofodile while also urging security agencies to intensify efforts to de-escalate the conflict between the two communities.
Meanwhile, community leaders and stakeholders have been urged to mediate and restore peace, as the incident has heightened tension in the Omambala region.
