Ebonyi man found dead after backing opposition candidate

The police in Ebonyi State have started looking into the death of Amos Ubochi. His body was found along a bush path in the state.

Channels TV reports that the 70-year-old man was discovered dead soon after he endorsed an opposition candidate for the 2027 general elections.

The police, through their spokesman, Joshua Ukandu, shared a statement on Wednesday. He said Mr Ubochi left home on Monday and did not return.

Mr Ukandu, a superintendent of police, mentioned they got the information on Tuesday that the deceased’s body had been found in a bush path within the community.

After receiving the report, police officers went to the scene and took the body to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, where he was confirmed dead.

He added that the police have started a thorough investigation to find out what happened and who is responsible.

“The command assures the public that every necessary step will be taken to find out what happened,” he said.

Mr Ukandu also urged anyone with useful information to help the investigation by coming forward. He promised that the investigation would be detailed and focused on understanding Mr Ubochi’s death.

He appealed to community members to assist investigators by providing credible information that could help identify and catch those responsible.

This incident has caused worry, especially with the rising political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.

‘Abducted, murdered, and dumped in a stream’

According to the Channels TV report, local sources said that on Monday, 17 August, the elderly man led a group of community elders in a prayer session and public endorsement of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates in the local government area.

He went missing soon after the event while returning home, the television station reported.

“Elder Amos Onwe Ubochi was fine during our meeting on 17 August, where he led other elders in prayers and gave his blessing,” Tochukwu Ogalagu, the APGA candidate for the Ohaukwu/Ebonyi Federal Constituency, was quoted as saying.

“After that, while walking home alone, he was attacked, abducted, murdered, and dumped in a stream.”

“His family searched for him all night and found his fully clothed body sitting upright in a stream far from the main path to his house. This killing fulfills threats made by desperate political players in the constituency. The blood of this innocent elder will speak against the killers and their backers.”

“I urge all APGA supporters in the area to stay calm, alert, and determined as law enforcement works to solve this crime.

“No threats, intimidation, or killing of innocent people will stop a movement whose time has come. We offer our deepest sympathies and full support to his family during this tragic time,” he said.