Last Sunday evening, a United States-based returnee was tragically killed, and his wife abducted, by gunmen in Umuguma, Owerri West local government area, Imo State.
According to a source, the deceased, an indigene of Ihiala, Anambra State, and a Nigerian-U.S. soldier, had arrived in his Toyota Highlander SUV with his wife and land agents at a prospective land purchase site near the Golden Estate / Abba Father Avenue in Umuguma.
Masked armed bandits, suspected to be herdsmen, ambushed them, resulting in his death and his wife’s abduction. Others present escaped with injuries, while the man’s corpse and vehicle were abandoned.
As of the time of this report, there has been no communication regarding the woman’s whereabouts.
Henry Okoye, the state police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, stating that the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has directed the Owerri Area Commander to conduct a comprehensive investigation.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the gunmen initially attacked them in the vehicle, leading to the deceased’s initial resistance and escape.
However, his return to the scene was met with a fatal gunshot to his head.
After the shooting, the assailants fled into a nearby forest with the woman. The land agents reportedly informed the police, who subsequently recovered the body and the vehicle.
Residents of Umuguma and surrounding communities, including Irete, Nekede, Avu, Amakohia-Ubi, Okuku, and Ndiegwu, are now living in fear due to the rising insecurity in the area.
Security agencies have advised prospective land buyers and the public to exercise caution in their dealings and report any suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
