Tragedy struck on Sunday evening in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State when unidentified gunmen shot dead a land investor and kidnapped his wife.
The attack reportedly occurred along Irette Road in Umuguma as the couple, accompanied by two land agents, traveled in a Highlander SUV to inspect a prospective property.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, recounted the terrifying encounter to reporters. According to him, the group was ambushed mid-journey by masked assailants.
“The man was driving with his wife and two land agents when they were attacked. At first, he managed to escape while his wife was held hostage.
“Unfortunately, when he returned to find his wife, the gunmen tried to capture him as well. It appears he resisted, and they shot him dead on the spot before fleeing into the nearby forest with his wife,” the eyewitness said.
Following the incident, the attackers abandoned the couple’s SUV at the scene. The two land agents reportedly fled, though one sustained injuries in the process. Police officers later arrived and evacuated the body of the slain investor.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, disclosed that law enforcement agents had commenced a full-scale manhunt to apprehend 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.
“The Area Commander for Owerri Urban is currently leading a coordinated search of the forested areas in Owerri West, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, with the goal of rescuing the kidnapped victim and bringing the culprits to justice,” Okoye stated.
