From Everest Ezihe, Owerri 

There was stampede last weekend in Ikenegbu axis of Owerri, Imo State capital as unknown gunmen abducted a popular proprietor of a famous supermarket called  Johnny Supermarket and Pharmacy, Chief John Ugorji.

An eyewitness, Mrs. Hellen Onyenze told The Authority that the incident occurred at about 11:00 pm as Chief Ugorji boarded his Jeep to drive home after his close of business at the pharmacy and supermarket located in Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri. 

Onyenze pointed out that that Chief Ugorji had resisted the abduction leading to his captors shooting sporadically into the air probably to drum it into his ears that they meant business as well as scare away people. 

She said that the kidnappers accosted him as he emerged from his pharmacy and boarded his Jeep to drive home,  but he tried to flee, unfortunately one tyre of his vehicle ran into ditch and got stuck in the gutter.

According to her, “It was at this point they pulled him out of the vehicle and bundled him into their own vehicle and zoomed off. They came in two vehicles and did not take along his vehicle.”.

However, a source close to the family told The Authority that as at Sunday the kidnappers were yet to make contact with his family. 

The source prayed that the abductors spare his life and allow him to return home and reunite with his relations. 

Ugorji, who hails from Umueshi Community in Ideato South Local Government Area of Imo State is one of the earliest and foremost operators of supermarkets in Owerri.

His shop started out as a provision store before growing into a supermarket and later expanded into pharmaceutical business.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Supol Henry Okoye said he was yet to receive an official report on the abduction.

Okoye promised to link up with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area before making an official statement.