In a shocking incident, gunmen have abducted Joan Onyemaechi, a former Delta State Commissioner for Technical Education. The abduction occurred on Tuesday during a church service at her place of worship along DBS Road in Asaba. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, confirmed the distressing event, which has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to reports, the assailants stormed the church and began shooting sporadically, causing panic among the congregants before forcibly taking Onyemaechi to an unknown destination. The brazen attack also resulted in the shooting of two police officers who were assigned to protect her. Tragically, one of the officers was killed, while the other sustained injuries and is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The police authorities have assured the public that they are actively pursuing the gunmen responsible for this heinous crime. Efforts are underway to locate and rescue Onyemaechi, and the police have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. This incident underscores the growing security challenges in the region, as well as the risks faced by public figures and ordinary citizens alike.
Joan Onyemaechi has had a distinguished career in public service. She represented the Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency at the House of Representatives in 2015. Prior to this, she served as a lawmaker for Aniocha South at the Delta State House of Assembly from 2007 to 2015. Recognized for her dedication and service, she was appointed by Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as the Commissioner for Technical Education. However, she resigned from her position earlier this year.
The abduction of such a prominent figure has raised concerns about the safety of public officials and the general state of security in Delta State. Residents are calling for increased security measures and swift action by the authorities to address the rising incidents of violence and kidnappings in the region.
As the police continue their investigation, they are urging anyone with information that could aid in locating Joan Onyemaechi and apprehending the culprits to come forward. The community’s cooperation is deemed crucial in these efforts, as it can significantly enhance the chances of a successful rescue operation.
The abduction has also sparked discussions about the need for improved security protocols for public officials, particularly those who have served in high-profile positions. The government and security agencies are being called upon to reassess and strengthen their strategies to protect citizens and prevent such alarming incidents from occurring in the future.
In the meantime, the Delta State community remains hopeful for the safe return of Joan Onyemaechi. Her abduction is a stark reminder of the volatility that persists in certain parts of the country and the ongoing battle against criminal activities. The incident serves as a call to action for both the government and the public to work together in ensuring a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
