BREAKING: Tension as hoodlums kidnap six persons in Imo

Gunmen on Sunday abducted a newly wed couple and four others in the Obowo Local Government Area of Imo state.

It was gathered on Monday that the six victims were abducted while driving home in a Toyota Sienna Vehicle from the Mbaise axis of state.

They were said to had made a stopover at Nwokeisama Junction in Umulogho to greet some family relatives when the hoodlums kidnapped them.

An indigene of the community, Uwalaka Chimaroke, disclosed the identities of the couple as Mr and Mrs Chidiebube Bartholomew.

Chimaroke, disclosed that some security operatives arrived the scene of the kidnap after the suspects had fled with their targets.

He suggested that the fleeing gunmen who operated in a Lexus jeep might had trailed their targets from the traditional wedding venue.

He said “in a shocking incident that took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at around 8 PM, gunmen abducted a newlywed couple and four other individuals in the Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State.

“The victims, included Mr. Chidiebube Bartholomew (the groom) and his bride, were returning from their traditional wedding ceremony held in Mbaise, accompanied by wedding attendees in a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

“The armed kidnappers, who operated in a Lexus Jeep, had reportedly followed the victims from the wedding venue to Nwokeisama Junction, Umulogho.

“They had stopped to greet family members at a local business when the gunmen struck, opening fire and hijacking a second Lexus vehicle. The victims were forced into the hijacked SUV before the kidnappers sped away amid continuous gunshots.

“Security operatives arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and are currently trailing the criminals in an attempt to rescue the victims.”

He disclosed that the sunday’s incident was the fourth abduction case in the area since the police station in Obowo was attacked some gunmen about five weeks ago.

The source continued “this is the fourth kidnapping case reported in Obowo since the vandalization of the local police station.

“Previous abduction cases occurred in Ekeja Ehume, the Umuariam area and the Malaysia Market axis, further fueling concerns about the growing insecurity in the LGA.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that he was going to get in touch with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area and get back to our correspondent but he had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.