On Tuesday, November 26, at about 5 pm, gunmen numbering about six, in two Toyota Sienna vehicles abducted three persons said to be returning home after the day’s business, around Traffic Light Junction Umudim Nnewi.
The Traffic Light Junction where the kidnappers struck is very close to Innoson Motorcycle Showroom, off Onitsha Okigwe Expressway.
Sources say the abduction of the three people (two men and a woman), may not be unconnected with the threat by gunmen that they would make Nnewi look like Orsumoghu in Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State, and Orsu Ihiteokwa in Orsu Local Government Area in Imo State, where they have made no-go areas in both states if Senator Ifeanyi Ubah is buried in Nnewi without their approval.
Recall that few days before the burial of the late Senator Uba, gunmen had threatened the Nnewi community that if they bury the late Senator without their approval, they would make Nnewi unsafe for the residents and people who do business there.
However, the Police in Anambra State dismissed some activities of the gunmen in and around the industrial town, including the shooting between the Police and a local vigilante that happened at Nnobi junction a few days before the Senator’s burial, as having nothing to do with the late Senators burial, assuring the residents that they are on hand to protect lives and property of the people.
It was gathered that the victims of the abduction were in a vehicle when the hoodlums who were armed with sophisticated weapons suddenly double-crossed them with their vehicle and ordered them to alight and enter one of their vehicles before they zoomed off.
The commando styled operation created panic in the entire area, making shop owners and business activities to come to a halt as any hurriedly closed before their usual time.
Confirming the incident, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police are already working with information obtained from the scene for the ongoing rescue operations.
According to Ikenga, “Anambra State Joint Security Forces, are on the offensive for possible unhurt rescue of three victims and arrest of the abductors.”
Ikenga’s statement read: “Today November 26-11-2024 by 6:45 pm three people were abducted near Innoson Motorcycle Showroom along Owerri Road, Nnewi.
“The police command is determined and is already working with information obtained from the scene for the ongoing rescue operations. “The Command also urged residents or anyone with useful information that will aid the investigation to come forward to the Command Headquarters, Awka, or the nearest Police station.
“You are also encouraged to call the Command’s Emergency number 112 or call 07039194332 for a prompt response. Further details shall be communicated.”
