An employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been abducted by suspected gunmen in Anambra State, with the kidnappers demanding a ransom of N40 million for her release.
The incident occurred along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area and was reported by security analyst Zagazola Makama.
According to the report, the victim, Christy Nkiru Okeke, was kidnapped at about 7:00 p.m. on July 24. Her husband later reported the incident at the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka after the abductors contacted the family and demanded N40 million as ransom.
In a separate attack along the same route about an hour earlier, a businessman, Emmanuel Nwobodo, narrowly escaped abduction after four armed men, reportedly dressed in dark clothing, opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz while he was returning home from Oba.
Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to his left knee, Nwobodo managed to drive away from the scene. His vehicle, however, suffered damage to its radiator and rear seat belt guard during the attack.
The report further stated that one of Nwobodo’s staff members, Tochukwu Afunenu, fled into a nearby bush while carrying the businessman’s ATM card and two mobile phones.
Suspicion later arose after voice messages were allegedly sent from the staff member’s phone claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding a N40 million ransom.
Police authorities said extensive search operations and intelligence-led investigations are underway to rescue the abducted INEC official and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
Investigators are also working to determine whether the two incidents, which occurred along the same road within a short period, were carried out by the same criminal gang.
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