An employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Christy Nkiru Okeke, has been abducted by gunmen in Anambra State, with her captors demanding N40 million for her release.
The incident occurred along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area, an area that has recently witnessed a series of security concerns.
The abducted INEC staff member was reportedly taken away by armed men at about 7:00 p.m. on July 24.
Following her disappearance, members of her family launched efforts to locate her before the kidnappers eventually established contact.
Her husband later reported the incident to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka after the abductors allegedly reached out and demanded a ransom of N40 million.
The development has heightened concerns among residents of the area, particularly as another violent attack was recorded on the same road barely an hour before the abduction.
A businessman identified as Emmanuel Nwobodo was reportedly attacked while returning home from Oba.
The incident happened near Ebenebe Community Secondary School when four armed men allegedly opened fire on his Mercedes-Benz vehicle.
Despite coming under heavy gunfire, Nwobodo managed to escape from the scene. It was only after driving away that he discovered he had sustained a gunshot injury to his left knee.
The attack also left visible damage on his vehicle, including parts of the radiator and the rear seat belt guard.
The businessman was later taken for medical attention while security operatives commenced preliminary investigations into the incident.
Further details showed that one of Nwobodo’s staff members, Tochukwu Afunenu, fled into a nearby bush during the attack. The employee was reportedly carrying the businessman’s ATM card and two mobile phones at the time.
However, the situation took a different turn when voice messages were allegedly sent from the staff member’s phone, claiming he had been kidnapped and demanding N40 million.
The messages reportedly raised suspicion among investigators, who are now examining the circumstances surrounding the claim.
Security sources said efforts are ongoing to determine whether the messages genuinely originated from a kidnapping situation or formed part of a broader criminal plot connected to the attack.
The close timing of both incidents has also drawn the attention of security agencies.
Investigators are currently working to establish whether the abduction of the INEC official and the attack on the businessman were carried out by the same criminal gang.
Police authorities have since intensified operations in the area.
Security personnel were said to have commenced extensive combing operations across surrounding bushes and remote locations while intelligence units continue tracking possible leads.
Authorities believe the coordinated nature of the attacks suggests a well-organised criminal network operating within the axis.
Residents of the area have meanwhile expressed concerns over rising insecurity and called for increased security presence along major roads linking communities within Awka North.
Nevertheless, the Police have assured residents that efforts are underway to rescue the abducted INEC worker and apprehend those responsible for the attacks.
Security operatives have also appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist ongoing investigations.
In a related development, the abduction of the INEC staff member in Anambra comes barely days after armed hoodlums attacked an INEC Permanent Voter Card (PVC) distribution centre in Osun State and carted away electoral materials.
The incident occurred at Oyinlola DC Primary School in Okuku, Odo-Otin Local Government Area, where INEC officials were distributing PVCs ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.
According to reports, the gunmen “carted away three packs of PVCs.” and efforts have been intensified to apprehend the perpetrators and recover the stolen PVCs,” the source said.
Nonetheless, the electoral body reinstated commitment to conducting a credible electoral process in the state.