Gunmen have killed a Nigerian-American man and kidnapped his wife in Umuguma, a community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The shocking attack happened on Sunday evening near Golden Estate at Abba Father Avenue.
According to reports, the victim had recently returned from the United States. He was accompanied by his wife and two land agents to inspect a plot of land he was planning to buy. They had arrived in a Toyota Highlander SUV when masked armed men suddenly appeared and opened fire.
How the Attack Happened
Eyewitnesses told Afriks Blog that the victim, his wife, and the land sellers were caught off guard by the gunmen, believed to be hiding in the area. The man managed to escape at first, but the gunmen held onto his wife.
Driven by fear and concern, he reportedly returned to try and rescue her. Sadly, the gunmen shot him in the head, killing him instantly, before fleeing into the nearby forest with his wife. His vehicle and body were left behind at the scene.
The two land agents managed to escape the attack. One of them was said to have sustained injuries. The police later arrived, evacuated the victim’s body, and secured the area.
Victim’s Identity Still Unconfirmed
Although sources say the deceased was a U.S.-based soldier from Ihiala, Anambra State, police have not officially confirmed his identity. His wife remains missing as of the time of this report.
Police Respond Swiftly
Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, confirmed the incident. He said the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a full-scale manhunt to capture the attackers and rescue the woman.
“The command is aware of this unfortunate incident and has launched a full-scale operation to track down those responsible,” Okoye said on Monday.
He added that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Owerri West, local police officers, and members of the community vigilante group are currently searching nearby forests to locate the kidnappers.
Tension Rises in Imo Communities
The brutal murder and abduction have triggered panic among residents of Umuguma and neighboring areas, including Irete, Nekede, Avu, Amakohia-Ubi, Ndiegwu, and Okuku. People are now living in fear as cases of violent crimes continue to rise.
Security forces have advised land buyers and locals to be extra cautious and report any suspicious activity in their surroundings. The police have also urged residents to avoid isolated areas and remain alert while investigations continue.
Final Note
The tragic killing of a U.S. returnee in Imo is another reminder of the growing security challenges in parts of Nigeria. As the police continue their manhunt and search for the victim’s wife, many are hoping for a breakthrough — and justice.
However is a call to every Imolite to be security conscious seeing the recent challenges in Imo State. So wherever you’re going and whatever you’re doing be security alert.
It’s quite bad the government of the day is allegedly not acting swiftly to curb arising challenges in Imo State
