Gunmen Abduct Jezco Oil Founder Joseph Ezeokafor in Anambra, Community Postpones New Yam Festival
By Headlinenews.News
Fear and concern have spread across parts of Anambra State following reports that prominent businessman and billionaire industrialist, Sir Joseph Ezeokafor, founder of Jezco Oil and Jezco Group, has been abducted by gunmen.
Ezeokafor, one of Anambra’s well-known business figures and father of popular Nigerian socialite Jowizaza, was reportedly kidnapped in Awka after going alone to a mountain to pray.
According to reports circulating over the weekend, the businessman had gone to the location without his usual security personnel when he was allegedly seized by unidentified gunmen and taken to an unknown destination.
The circumstances surrounding the reported abduction remain unclear, while details concerning the identity of the kidnappers and whether any ransom demand has been made have yet to be independently established.
The incident has generated considerable anxiety within Anambra’s business and social circles because of Ezeokafor’s prominence and long-standing presence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Ezeokafor is the founder of Jezco Oil Nigeria Limited and has built extensive business interests over several decades. His company is involved in petroleum products, lubricants and other energy-related operations.
Beyond business, the industrialist is closely associated with his hometown of Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The impact of the reported kidnapping has already extended into the community.
Ekwulobia reportedly postponed its annual New Yam Festival following news of the abduction, reflecting the anxiety surrounding the safety of the prominent businessman.
The development has again placed attention on the continuing threat posed by kidnapping and violent crime in parts of the South-East, particularly when criminals target businessmen, community leaders and other high-profile citizens.
For Anambra, a state renowned for entrepreneurship and home to some of Nigeria’s most successful indigenous business figures, the security of residents and investors remains critical to economic confidence.
Security agencies are therefore expected to establish the circumstances surrounding Ezeokafor’s disappearance and intensify efforts towards securing his safe return.
As of the latest reports reviewed by Headlinenews.News, the Anambra State Police Command had not publicly confirmed all the circumstances surrounding the reported kidnapping.
That distinction remains important until security authorities provide an official account of the incident.
For Ezeokafor’s family, associates and community, however, the immediate concern goes beyond speculation about how the incident occurred.
The overriding hope is that Sir Joseph Ezeokafor is located and returned safely to his family — while those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
Headlinenews.News Special Investigative Desk.
