Just in: Gunmen kidnap candidate for Rivers assembly poll

Gunmen have abducted a candidate in the forthcoming house of assembly election in Rivers State, Chukwudi Ogbonna.

Ogbonna is contesting under the Accord Party and wants to represent Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni state constituency.

Ifeaka Nwakiri, a relative of the politician, confirmed the abduction on Tuesday morning.

Ogbonna was said to have been kidnapped on Monday at Rumuigbo, near Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

Nwakiri said the abduction was “politically motivated”, adding that Ogbonna was driving a white Mercedes car with a friend when he was kidnapped.

“The abduction has been reported to the police and other security apparatus,” he said.

“He was driving with his friend. They double-crossed him. His friend came out of the car to understand what was happening then the gunmen started shooting in the air so the young man had to scamper for his safety.

“Up till now, we don’t know his whereabouts.”

When contacted for comment on the incident, Grace Iringe-Koko, the Rivers police spokesperson, said an update will be provided soon.