AWKA, Nigeria — Gunmen have abducted an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and shot a businessman in separate attacks along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State, with the assailants demanding a ₦40 million ransom in connection with both incidents.
According to security reports, the abducted INEC staff member, Christy Nkiru Okeke, was seized 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 kidnappers contacted the family and demanded ₦40 million for her release.
In a separate attack that occurred about an hour earlier along the same road, businessman Emmanuel Nwobodo narrowly escaped being kidnapped after four armed men, reportedly dressed in dark clothing, opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz while he was returning home from Oba.
Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his left knee, Nwobodo managed to drive away from the scene before discovering the extent of his injuries. His vehicle was also damaged during the attack, with the radiator and rear seat belt guard struck by bullets.
During the incident, one of the businessman’s staff members, Tochukwu Afunenu, reportedly fled into a nearby bush while carrying Nwobodo’s ATM card and two mobile phones. Investigators later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from the staff member’s phone claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding another ₦40 million ransom.
Security agencies have since launched investigations into both incidents to determine whether they were carried out by the same criminal gang, given that the attacks occurred within a short period along the same route.
Police authorities said extensive combing operations are ongoing in surrounding bushes, while intelligence-led tracking has been intensified to rescue the abducted INEC employee and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
The incidents have heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Anambra State, particularly along roads linking communities in Awka North Local Government Area. Residents have called for increased security patrols and improved surveillance to curb the activities of armed criminal groups operating in the area.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are underway to secure the safe release of the abducted victim, investigate the circumstances surrounding both attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. The police also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist ongoing investigations and security operations.
