A couple and their four-month-old baby, along with two other young men, were reportedly abducted by gunmen in Umukenekpu, Ndegwu, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Saturday evening.
The incident occurred at about 5 p.m., according to a resident who escaped from the attackers. The victims were said to be on their way to inspect a property in the area when they were ambushed near a residential building.
The eyewitness told reporters that the attackers numbered about five. The source said one of them carried a rifle while the others were seen with daggers and machetes.
“I was lucky to have escaped from these people, a resident said. They ambushed us as we were going to inspect a property close to our residential building.”
According to the account, the group was taken into a nearby bush and were being tied one after the other. The source said he took the opportunity to run before it got to his turn. He added that shots were fired in his direction but he was not hit.
The identities of the two other victims have not been confirmed as of the time of filing this report. Security agencies have not released an official statement on the incident.
This is the first reported abduction in the area since the Police and other security agencies began combining ground patrols with drone surveillance in nearby forests, residents said.
The development has raised fresh concerns among residents of Ndegwu and surrounding communities. Many are now worried about safety, especially for families and individuals moving around in the evenings or inspecting properties.
Community members are calling for increased security presence in the area. They also urged residents to share information with authorities that could help in locating the victims.
Efforts to reach the Imo State Police Command for confirmation of the incident and details of ongoing rescue operations were unsuccessful as at press time.
Security experts note that kidnapping cases often involve demands for ransom and prolonged negotiations. Authorities usually advise families not to pay directly and to work with law enforcement on rescue efforts.
Under Nigerian law, abduction is a serious offence. The Police and other agencies have continued to urge the public to report suspicious movements and to avoid isolated routes, especially in the late hours.
The matter is being monitored and updates will be provided as more information becomes available from security agencies.