The Abia State Police Command said it had commenced an investigation into the beheading of a 70-year-old man identified as Zachary Nmaduka, a native of Ezieke Akpukpa Uturu in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.
It was reported that the victim, who was the home branch chairman of Uturu Development Union, Uturu in the area, had gone out to drink at about 8pm in the Amelechi Akpukpa community area of the state when he was attacked by gunmen.
It was gathered that the late Nmaduka was a grassroots politician who was vocal against insecurity in the community. He was also the head of the Uturu community security outfit in the area.
Zachary was also the campaign director to the member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal constituency, Amobi Ogah, during the last general elections.
It was gathered that the assailants numbering about 10 wielded pump action guns, cutlasses, and several other weapons, had shot him dead at a drinking joint in the community.
The victim was reportedly dragged on the floor before he was finally beheaded and his head taken away by his killers.
The incident has left his family members, friends and relatives in a state of mourning and confusion.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, the police were alerted after the incident and they were able to recover his lifeless body on Tuesday night.
She said the police had intensified efforts towards apprehending the hoodlums behind such dastardly act and bringing them to justice.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police, in a statement, said, “Mr Nmaduka was violently attacked, shot, and beheaded by unidentified assailants while he was at a drinking joint in Amelechi Akpukpa community.
“Upon receiving this distressing information, a joint team comprising police and army personnel was swiftly dispatched to the scene.
“Tragically, they recovered Mr Nmaduka’s lifeless body. Photographic evidence was captured at the scene, and the deceased’s remains were promptly evacuated and deposited at Marist Mortuary Uturu. Investigation is currently ongoing.”
The Chairman of the LP in the state, Kecee Igara, confirmed that Zachary was a member of the party, calling on security agencies to fish out his killers.
“Such an evil act should not be tolerated in the state,” Igara said.
