Police launch rescue operation after separate attack leaves businessman injured
Gunmen have reportedly abducted a staff member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State and are demanding ₦40 million for her release.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama, reported that the victim, identified as Christy Nkiru, was kidnapped on July 24 in the Ebenebe area of the local government.
Her husband, Okeke Victor, who lives in Ngozika Estate, was said to have reported the incident to the police.
The security analyst said the kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded a ₦40 million ransom.
Police Begin Rescue Efforts
Following the report, operatives of the anti-kidnapping unit, the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and other tactical teams were deployed to the area to rescue the victim and track down the abductors.
Businessman Escapes Attack
In a separate incident on the same road, a businessman narrowly escaped being kidnapped after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle.
The victim, Emmanuel Nwobodo, told police he was returning home from Oba Ofemili at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24 when four armed men dressed in dark clothing attacked his Mercedes-Benz near Ebenebe Community Secondary School.
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Despite the attack, he drove away from the scene before stopping near a Catholic church, where he discovered he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee.
Staff Member Missing
During the attack, Nwobodo’s staff member, Tochukwu Afunenu, who was carrying the businessman’s ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly fled into a nearby bush.
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 ₦40 million ransom.
Police have since launched a search of the surrounding bushes and are carrying out intelligence-led operations aimed at rescuing the abducted victim and arresting those behind the attacks.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.