Nigeria: Gunmen kill motorist, abduct passengers in Imo ambush
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Gunmen opened fire on a Toyota Highlander SUV in Amala Autonomous Community, Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday evening, killing the driver and abducting occupants of a second vehicle, a Lexus RS300. The incident was confirmed by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye.
According to the police statement, the attackers emerged from a nearby bush around 5:50 p.m., shot the Highlander’s driver and seized the passengers of the Lexus. The wounded driver was taken to a hospital where he later died. The exact number of kidnapped persons had not been confirmed at press time.
Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma ordered a joint manhunt involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups. “Officers from the Ngor‑Okpala Division swiftly responded to the distress call, secured the scene and evacuated the victim to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” the statement read. Security forces have begun intensive bush‑combing, search‑and‑rescue and tracking operations in the Amala forest and surrounding communities. Investigations are ongoing and “encouraging progress” has been reported.
The attack adds to a wave of violence in southeastern Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common. State authorities have urged residents to cooperate with security operatives and to report any suspicious activity.
