NNEWI – In a chilling incident, six gunmen driving two Toyota Sienna vehicles abducted three individuals—two men and a woman—on Tuesday around 5 pm near the Traffic Light Junction in Umudim, Nnewi, Anambra State. The location, a stone’s throw from the Innoson Motorcycle Showroom and the road leading to the Innoson Motor Factory, turned chaotic during the swift abduction.
Eyewitnesses speculate that the kidnapping may be linked to threats issued by unidentified gunmen warning against the burial of late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi without their approval. The gunmen had allegedly vowed to destabilize the industrial town, similar to their actions in Orsumoghu in Anambra State and Orsu Ihiteokwa in Imo State, where their presence has rendered certain areas inaccessible.
Reports indicate that the victims were intercepted while returning home from work. Armed with sophisticated weapons, the gunmen blocked their vehicle, ordered them out at gunpoint, and forced them into one of their vehicles. The lady, visibly shaken, was forcibly pushed in before the assailants sped away, with one of the gunmen taking control of the victims’ vehicle and driving behind their convoy.
The entire operation, which lasted less than five minutes, caused panic, prompting shop owners in the vicinity to close earlier than usual.
Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and revealed that joint security forces have launched an offensive operation to rescue the victims unharmed and apprehend the abductors.
Ikenga stated, “On November 26, 2024, at about 6:45 pm, three individuals were abducted near the Innoson Motorcycle Showroom along Owerri Road, Nnewi. The police are already working with information obtained from the scene to aid rescue operations.”
He encouraged anyone with useful information to contact the Command Headquarters in Awka, the nearest police station, or call the emergency numbers provided (112 or 07039194332) for prompt assistance. The police assured the public of their commitment to protecting lives and property and promised to provide updates on the investigation.
