Gunmen abduct INEC staff in Anambra, businessman survives separate attack

Gunmen have abducted an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, while a businessman survived a separate attack on the same route after sustaining a gunshot wound.

Security sources said both incidents were reported to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka on July 25.

According to the sources, businessman Emmanuel Nwobodo of Nibo was driving home from Oba Ofemili in Awka North LGA at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24 when four armed men dressed in dark clothing opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz E-Class near Ebenebe Community Secondary School.

Despite coming under attack, Nwobodo reportedly drove through the gunfire before stopping near a Catholic Church a few kilometres away, where he discovered he had been shot in the left knee. His vehicle also sustained damage to its radiator and rear seat belt guard.

During the attack, one of his employees, Tochukwu Afunenu, who was travelling with him and was carrying his employer’s ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

The businessman later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from the employee’s phone claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of ₦40 million.

In a separate incident later that evening, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission, was abducted along the same road at about 7:00 p.m., according to a report made by her husband, Okeke Victor C., to the police.

The kidnappers have reportedly demanded ₦40 million for her release.

Following the incidents, police deployed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Rapid Response Squad and other tactical teams to the area.

Security operatives have since launched combing operations in surrounding bushes and intensified intelligence-led efforts to rescue the abducted INEC staff and track down the perpetrators.

Police are also investigating whether the two incidents are linked.