A staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been abducted by suspected gunmen in Anambra State, with the kidnappers demanding a N40 million ransom for her release.
The incident occurred along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area and was disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to the report, the victim, Christy Nkiru Okeke, was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. on July 24.
Her husband subsequently reported the incident to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka after the abductors contacted the family and demanded N40 million as ransom.
In a separate attack along the same route about an hour earlier, a businessman, Emmanuel Nwobodo, reportedly escaped an attempted abduction after four armed men dressed in dark clothing allegedly opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz while he was returning home from Oba.
Despite managing to flee the scene, Nwobodo was said to have sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee.
His vehicle also suffered damage to its radiator and rear seat belt guard.
The report further stated that one of the businessman’s employees, Tochukwu Afunenu, ran into a nearby bush during the attack while carrying Nwobodo’s ATM card and two mobile phones.
However, suspicion arose after voice messages were allegedly sent from the employee’s phone claiming he had also been kidnapped and demanding a N40 million ransom.
According to Makama, police have launched extensive bush-combing and intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the abducted INEC worker and arresting those responsible.
Investigators are also working to determine whether the two attacks, which occurred within a short interval along the same road, were carried out by the same criminal gang.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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