On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, gunmen, reportedly numbering over six and driving two Toyota Sienna vehicles, abducted three people—two men and a woman—around 5 p.m. at the Traffic Light Junction in Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. The location is close to the Innoson Motorcycle Showroom and the Onitsha-Okigwe Expressway, a major road that leads to the Innoson Motor Factory.
Abduction Linked to Burial Threats?
Witnesses suggest that the abduction could be related to recent threats issued by gunmen, who had warned the Nnewi community that if the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah were buried in Nnewi without their approval, they would make the area unsafe. This was seen as an attempt to control the aftermath of Ubah’s burial, with the gunmen threatening to turn Nnewi into a no-go area, similar to the situations in Orsumoghu (Ihiala LGA) and Orsu Ihiteokwa (Orsu LGA), where gunmen have imposed control over the area.
Before the senator’s burial, gunmen had warned the Nnewi community that they would make the town unsafe if their demands were not met. Despite these threats, the police in Anambra have dismissed any direct connection between the recent criminal activities and the senator’s burial, assuring the public that they are working to maintain law and order.
Details of the Abduction
The victims, who were traveling in a vehicle, were ambushed by the gunmen, who were armed with sophisticated weapons. According to witnesses, the attackers swiftly double-crossed the victims’ vehicle, forcing them at gunpoint to exit and enter one of the attackers’ vehicles. The two men complied, while the woman, confused and frightened, was also forced into the vehicle.
The gunmen acted quickly, completing the abduction in less than five minutes, creating widespread panic in the area. Nearby shop owners closed their businesses prematurely, fearing for their safety.
Police Response
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and stated that the police were actively working with the information gathered from the scene to rescue the victims. Ikenga assured that the joint security forces were on high alert and focused on safely rescuing the victims while pursuing the kidnappers.
Ikenga’s statement also urged residents or anyone with useful information to come forward and assist the police in their investigation. The police have made their emergency contact numbers available for prompt responses, encouraging citizens to cooperate in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Ongoing Efforts
While the investigation is ongoing, the police remain determined to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the abductors. The situation highlights the continuing security challenges in the region, especially amidst rising tensions and threats linked to local political events.
