Gunmen Abduct INEC Staff in Anambra, Demand N40m Ransom After Separate Attacks

Suspected gunmen have abducted an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State and demanded a N40 million ransom, following separate attacks along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area.

The incidents were disclosed by security analyst Zagazola Makama, who said the abduction occurred on July 24.

According to the report, the victim, Christy Nkiru Okeke, an INEC staff member, was kidnapped at about 7 p.m. while in the area. Her husband subsequently reported the incident to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka after the abductors contacted the family and demanded N40 million for her release.

About an hour before the abduction, another attack was reportedly carried out near Ebenebe Community Secondary School, where a businessman, Emmanuel Nwobodo, narrowly escaped being kidnapped.

The report said four armed men dressed in dark clothing opened fire on Nwobodo’s 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, one of his employees, Tochukwu Afunenu, reportedly fled into a nearby bush while carrying the businessman’s ATM card and two mobile phones.

The businessman later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from the staff member’s phone claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding a N40 million ransom.

“Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators,” the report stated.

Investigators are also working to determine whether the two attacks, which occurred along the same road within a short period, were carried out by the same criminal gang.