By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI – A Permanent Secretary serving in Governor Martin Elechi’s government in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ebonyi State, Chief Steven Orogwu, was on Wednesday kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Abakaliki.

The kidnappers carried out the operation without the passersby noticing.

Orogwu, according to report, was recently transferred from the Ministry of Health and Environment to his present post before he was abducted.

He hails from Ekpaomaka Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking with Vanguard, a member of the family (name withheld), disclosed that Chief Orogwu was kidnapped in the evening at his residence in Olisaemeka Street, Abakaliki, while returning to his residence after the day’s work.

According to her, the hoodlums had invaded his compound waiting for his arrival and as soon as he (victim) drove into the compound in his Toyota Camry, they abducted him and immediately drove away.
His gateman was tied up while the operation lasted.

Confirming the ugly episode after contacting the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of the area, the State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP John Eluu, said the Police was aware of the abduction of the Permanent Secretary, adding that investigation into the case had commenced in earnest.

The abduction of Orogwu raised the number of PDP stalwarts abducted in the state to seven within the year.