By Onyeanya Ebere
Tragedy struck on Sunday evening in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State when unidentified gunmen shot dead a land investor and abducted his wife.
The incident occurred along Irette Road in Umuguma, as the couple, accompanied by two land agents, were traveling in a Highlander SUV to inspect a property.
According to an eyewitness who spoke under anonymity, the masked gunmen ambushed the group midway through their journey.
“The man was driving with his wife and two land agents when they were attacked. He initially escaped, while his wife was held hostage,” the source said. “Unfortunately, when he returned in an attempt to rescue her, the gunmen tried to seize him. He resisted, and they shot him dead on the spot before fleeing into the nearby forest with his wife.”
The assailants reportedly abandoned the victim’s vehicle at the scene. The two land agents accompanying the couple managed to escape, although one sustained injuries.
Police operatives later arrived and evacuated the victim’s body.
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, said the command had launched a full-scale operation to track down the perpetrators and rescue the abducted woman.
“The command is aware of this unfortunate incident and has commenced a vigorous operation to identify and apprehend those responsible,” Okoye stated.
He added that the Area Commander for Owerri Urban is leading a coordinated search of forested areas in Owerri West, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, with the goal of rescuing the kidnapped victim and bringing the culprits to justice.
