Gunmen kidnap unidentified occupants of SUV in Anambra

At least two unidentified occupants of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) were kidnapped by gunmen on Saturday afternoon. Sources reported that the incident occurred in the Ifite area of Awka, near the back gate of Nnamdi Azikiwe University. This comes amid growing concerns about the worsening security situation in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State.

Last week, three alleged cultists were killed on Sunday, and another person was reported killed on Monday. A video of Saturday’s incident shows hooded gunmen ordering the SUV’s occupants into a black Sienna vehicle. According to a local source, the gunmen fired shots into the air and took the victims, along with their car.

Lawrence Ibemesi, a resident of Awka, expressed his frustration: “We don’t know what is happening in Awka any longer. Security people need to sit up because we can no longer understand these killings and kidnappings here and there.”

When contacted by NIGERIA NEWS 247, the Anambra State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, stated: “We are studying the video and also liaising with anyone who is an eyewitness to go after the kidnappers. We have also alerted our strategic teams at major flashpoints to be on the lookout.” Regarding the recent cult-related killings, Ikenga claimed the command was not aware of any such incidents in the state capital and challenged the reporter to provide proof.