Gunmen murder land investor, abduct wife in Imo

A land inspection trip turned tragic on Sunday as a land investor was shot dead and his wife abducted by masked gunmen in Owerri, Imo State.

The shocking incident occurred around 4 p.m. at Golden Estate along Irette Road, Abba Father Avenue in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area.

According to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the couple was traveling in their Highlander SUV in the company of two land agents. They were reportedly heading to inspect a parcel of land they had recently acquired when they were ambushed by the armed assailants.

The gunmen, who struck without warning, shot and killed the investor on the spot before whisking away his wife to an unknown destination. The land agents reportedly escaped unharmed.

“The man was driving with his wife and two agents in his Highlander jeep when masked men carrying guns attacked them,” the source said. “He escaped while they held his wife. He later returned to check the whereabouts of his wife. They tried to kidnap him but it seems he resisted them, and they killed him immediately and abducted his wife.”

According to the source, the gunmen reportedly moved into the forest with the woman and abandoned the vehicle at the scene of the crime.

The two agents reportedly escaped, with one sustaining injuries. Policemen later arrived at the scene and evacuated the corpse.

Although the identities of the couple have not been disclosed, the police are said to be working to rescue the kidnapped woman and bring the perpetrators to justice,” the source added.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has confirmed the killing of the land investor and the kidnapping of his wife by gunmen in Owerri.

Confirming the unfortunate incident to SaharaReporters on the telephone, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, said: “The Command is aware of this unfortunate incident and has commenced a vigorous operation to uncover the miscreants responsible for the act and ensure they face the full wrath of the law.”

Meanwhile, the founder of Stand For Humanity Foundation, Chidiebube Okeoma, has condemned the killing and abduction of the couple.

Okeoma, who spoke in reaction to the incident, said no society progresses when investors are attacked and killed.

He urged land investors in the state to remain vigilant and strengthen their personal security, warning that kidnappers are increasingly targeting real estate professionals for attacks.

The activist journalist also called on the police to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure they are brought to justice.