The police have launched a manhunt for gunmen who killed a man and abducted his wife in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
The incident happened at about 4pm on Sunday at Golden Estate, Abba Father Avenue, Umuguma, in Owerri West Local Government Area of the state.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, stating that an intense search is ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victim.
According to sources, the couple, accompanied by two land agents, were on their way to inspect a piece of land they had allegedly purchased when the attack occurred.
One of the sources said, “The man was driving with his wife and two agents in his Highlander SUV when masked men carrying guns attacked them.
“He escaped while they held his wife. He later returned to check on the whereabouts of his wife.
“Again, they tried to kidnap him, but he tried to resist, and they killed him immediately and abducted his wife.”
The source added, “They moved into the forest with his wife and abandoned his vehicle at the scene of the crime.
“The two agents escaped, and I learnt one of them sustained injuries. Policemen later arrived at the scene and evacuated the corpse.”
While the identity of the deceased man has yet to be confirmed, the police command has vowed to track down the gunmen.
Okoye stated, “The command is aware of this unfortunate incident and has commenced a vigorous operation to uncover the miscreants responsible for the act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”
He further revealed that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area, in collaboration with other policemen and local vigilante operatives, is combing the forests to track down the fleeing gunmen.
“Yes, I’m aware of the incident, and it’s quite unfortunate. Already, we have commenced investigations to unmask the perpetrators of this act.
“Meanwhile, the DPO of Owerri West Division, alongside other policemen and local Vigilante members, is currently in the forests.
“They have commenced combing of the forest in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police for possible rescue of the woman,” Okoye said.
Speaking on the incident, the founder of the Stand For Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, condemned the killing and abduction, describing it as reckless and unacceptable.
Okeoma also called on land investors in the state to be vigilant, warning that kidnappers are now targeting real estate players.
He said, “I call on land investors in the state to be vigilant and beef up security around themselves, as kidnappers now target real estate players in the state for attacks.”
Okeoma also appealed to the police to intensify efforts to apprehend the criminals and bring them to justice.
He said, “The police must ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous crime are caught and dealt with according to the dictates of the law.”
He also called on the police to strengthen security in the outskirts of the metropolis to prevent further attacks.
