Leading politician Ejike Ukwueze was shot and killed in Enugu State by gunmen who are suspected of being kidnappers.

According to information obtained, Ukwueze was slain on Friday night while operating a vehicle in Neke Odenigbo, a neighbourhood in the state’s Enugu East Local Government Area.

Ukwueze and his automobile were shown in a widely shared video being shot multiple times, with bullet holes evident in the car.

According to reports, the victim is the immediate younger brother of the late Chijioke Ukwueze, a member of the Enugu State House of Assembly who represented the Isi-Uzo Constituency. Ukwueze passed away in 2020 during a plenary session of the House.

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According to a family-friendly source, the family believes the murder was carried out for political reasons, speculating that the victim was being targeted because of her growing influence in the Isi-Uzo Local Government Area political scene.

Yes, I had heard that he was a serious candidate. He was not only planning to contest for the LG election, but he was also making a name for himself in Isi-Uzo politics by filling the shoes of his beloved late brother, who was one of the most well-liked and influential political figures in the community, the source disclosed.

The Enugu State police authorities have not yet responded to comments regarding the event.