Veterinary Doctor Murdered in Abuja; 3 Children Still Missing

A renowned veterinary surgeon and former chairman of the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter, Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, has been murdered in Abuja after armed men invaded his residence in the Kubwa area. His three children, who were abducted alongside him, remain missing. According to accounts from friends and local residents, the assailants stormed Dr. Ogbu’s home late on Friday, forcing their way in and taking him and his children away at gunpoint. His wife and other relatives were left traumatized but physically unharmed. Hours later, his lifeless body was discovered dumped by the roadside, sparking outrage and grief across the veterinary and wider medical community. News of the tragedy was confirmed by a close friend, Andrew Gabriel Ikechukwu, who wrote in a social media post: “Dr. Ifeanyi Ogbu, the immediate past chairman of the NVMA FCT chapter, who was kidnapped alongside his three children from his home in Kubwa Abuja, was found dead. The three children are yet to be released. May God please intervene.” Dr. Ogbu, a highly respected professional, was widely regarded as one of the leading voices in the veterinary field in the capital. His sudden death has left colleagues and associates in shock. “Nigeria just happened to my age-long friend, Ifeanyi,” one colleague lamented, describing his murder as a “painful reminder of the insecurity that continues to affect families and communities in Nigeria.” The killing comes at a time of heightened concern about violent crimes in Abuja, following the murder of Arise TV journalist and lawyer Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was killed in her Katampe home during an armed robbery. Her death drew national attention, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directing security agencies to launch a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. The latest incident has further deepened public anxiety about insecurity in satellite towns such as Kubwa, where residents frequently report armed robberies, kidnappings, and other violent attacks. Security analysts warn that the pattern of criminality highlights weaknesses in local policing and intelligence gathering, leaving communities vulnerable. As of the time of filing this report, the FCT Police Command had not issued a detailed public statement on Dr. Ogbu’s killing or the whereabouts of his missing children. However, security sources disclosed that investigations have commenced and that patrols have been reinforced in the Kubwa–Kaduna Road corridor where the incident occurred. Family members, colleagues, and community leaders are urging the police and other security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the children and rescue them alive. The NVMA, professional bodies, and residents of the Kubwa area have joined in calling for justice, demanding swift and decisive action to end the spate of killings and abductions in the FCT. Civil-society groups are also urging the government to deploy more effective security measures to protect families across the capital and restore public confidence in law enforcement. Dr. Ogbu’s death has left a deep void among colleagues and friends who remember him not only as a dedicated veterinary professional but also as a compassionate family man and mentor to many. The fate of his three missing children remains a pressing concern, with hopes still high that they will be rescued safely. This incident adds to a growing list of high-profile killings and kidnappings that have shaken Abuja in recent months, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive security reforms and community protection strategies.