Bandits kidnap newlywed couple, 4 others in Imo

Wednesday, October 09, 2024 -Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a newlywed couple and four others in the Obowo Local Government Area of Imo state.

 It was gathered that the six victims were abducted while driving home in a Toyota Sienna Vehicle from the Mbaise axis of state on Sunday, October 6, 2024.

 According to Imo journalist, Chidiebube Okeoma, the victims were said to have made a stopover at Nwokeisama Junction in Umulogho to say hello to some family members when the suspects struck.

 An indigene of the community, Uwalaka Chimaroke, disclosed the identities of the couple as Mr and Mrs Chidiebube Bartholomew.

 Chimaroke disclosed that some security operatives arrived at the scene of the kidnap after the suspects had fled with their targets.

 He suggested that the fleeing gunmen who operated in a Lexus jeep might have trailed their targets from the traditional wedding venue.

 “In a shocking incident that took place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at around 8 PM, gunmen abducted a newlywed couple and four other individuals in the Obowo Local Government Area of Imo State,”  Chimaroke explained. 

 “The victims, including Mr Chidiebube Bartholomew (the groom) and his bride, were returning from their traditional wedding ceremony held in Mbaise, accompanied by wedding attendees in a Toyota Sienna vehicle.

 “The armed kidnappers, who operated in a Lexus Jeep, had reportedly followed the victims from the wedding venue to Nwokeisama Junction, Umulogho.

 “They had stopped to greet family members at a local business when the gunmen struck, opening fire and hijacking a second Lexus vehicle. The victims were forced into the hijacked SUV before the kidnappers sped away amid continuous gunshots.

 “Security operatives arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and are currently trailing the criminals in an attempt to rescue the victims.”

 He disclosed that Sunday’s incident was the fourth abduction case in the area since the police station in Obowo was attacked by some gunmen about five weeks ago.

 “This is the fourth kidnapping case reported in Obowo since the vandalization of the local police station,” the source said. 

 “Previous abduction cases occurred in Ekeja Ehume, the Umuariam area and the Malaysia Market axis, further fueling concerns about the growing insecurity in the LGA.”

 When contacted, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that he was going to get in touch with the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area and get back to the journalist.