Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a man and abducted his wife during a property inspection along Golden Estate, Abba Father Avenue in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State, over the weekend.
According to a source who spoke to Leadership under anonymity, the couple had visited the area with two property agents to inspect a property when the attack occurred.
“The man was driving a Highlander SUV with his wife and two agents when masked, armed men ambushed them. He initially escaped, but his wife was taken. When he returned to search for her, the attackers attempted to seize him again. He resisted, and they shot him dead before fleeing into the forest with his wife,” the source said.
The gunmen abandoned the man’s vehicle at the scene, while the two agents managed to escape, with one reportedly sustaining injuries. Police later arrived and evacuated the man’s body.
Confirming the incident, Imo State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said efforts are underway to rescue the kidnapped woman and apprehend the attackers.
“Yes, I’m aware of the unfortunate incident. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Owerri West and his team, along with local vigilante operatives, are currently combing the surrounding forests to rescue the woman,” Okoye stated.
He added that the operation is in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police to ensure the safe return of the victim and the swift arrest of the perpetrators.
