Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman escapes attack with gunshot wound
By Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while a businessman narrowly escaped a separate attack on the same road after sustaining a gunshot wound.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incidents were reported at the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka on July 25.
According to the sources, one Emmanuel Nwobodo of Nibo reported that at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24, he was driving home from Oba Ofemili in Awka North LGA in his Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon car when four armed men dressed in dark outfits opened fire on his vehicle near Ebenebe Community Secondary School.
The sources said Nwobodo drove through the attackers despite the gunfire and stopped a few kilometres away near a Catholic Church, where he discovered that he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee. His vehicle also suffered damage to the radiator and rear seat belt guard.
During the attack, his staff, Tochukwu Afunenu, 40, who was in possession of the victim’s ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
Police sources said Nwobodo later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from his staff’s phone claiming that he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of ₦40 million.
In a separate report, Okeke Victor C. of Ngozika Estate, Awka, informed police that his wife, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was abducted at about 7:00 p.m. on the same day along the same road.
The kidnappers have reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦40 million for her release.
Following the reports, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Rapid Response Squad and other tactical teams were deployed to the area.
Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
Investigations are continuing to determine whether the two incidents are connected.
