The veterinary community in Abuja has been thrown into mourning following the death of Dr Ifeanyi Ogbu, a former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Federal Capital Territory chapter, who was reportedly abducted along with his three children in Kubwa, Abuja.
Confirmation of his death came from the Administrative Secretary of the NVMA FCT chapter, Mr Joshua Katkyes, who told Punch correspondent on Sunday that the association received the sad news on Saturday.
“That is true (Ogbu death story). We received the information yesterday,” Katkyes said briefly.
Although details surrounding the incident remain sketchy, reports suggest that Ogbu and his children were kidnapped from their home in Kubwa, one of the satellite towns of the nation’s capital that has seen a disturbing rise in violent crimes in recent months.
Read Also: Insecurity in Gombe: Suspected kidnappers murder local during night raid
Efforts to obtain an official statement from the FCT Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to the Command’s spokesperson went unanswered.
Tributes have begun pouring in from colleagues and associates who described Ogbu as a committed professional who contributed immensely to veterinary practice in the FCT.
He served as chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter until 2023 and was widely respected for his dedication to animal health and welfare.
The news of his death has again drawn attention to the growing insecurity in the outskirts of Abuja, particularly areas such as Bwari, Dutse, and Kubwa, where residents have repeatedly complained of abductions and armed attacks.
To this end, many professionals and residents are said to be expressing fears for their safety, urging security agencies to intensify patrols and intelligence gathering in vulnerable communities to curb the worsening trend of kidnappings for ransom in the Federal Capital Territory.
