Man escapes suspected kidnap, assassination attempt in Imo

By Chukwudi Moses

A man narrowly escaped what he described as a kidnap or assassination attempt while returning from a traditional wedding ceremony in Amaifeke community, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

The survivor, identified as Chima Okolie, said the incident occurred shortly after leaving his friend’s wedding venue. He and his younger brother, Uche, noticed a suspicious black Toyota SUV trailing them for over 30 minutes.

According to him, when we got to Umuaka village, the road was quiet. That’s when they opened fire and shouted, ‘Stop the car now’.

“My instincts told me to speed up because I knew there was a police checkpoint ahead. Once we reached it, they stopped chasing us”, Okolie recounted.
Although both brothers escaped unharmed, the incident has heightened local fears in an area already grappling with rising insecurity.

Recently, security forces in the neighbouring Njaba LGA foiled another kidnapping attempt targeting a prominent South-East figure, recovering weapons and a motorcycle after a gun battle. Traditional leaders have also come under attack in the recent time.

In a separate incident, a kidnapping gang linked to the brutal killing of a retired judge was intercepted by the state’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and several suspects were arrested. Not long after, police also uncovered the kidnap and murder of a mother of five, allegedly carried out by three brothers from Ideato LGA.

Beyond Orlu, the kidnapping wave has swept across Imo communities, with armed attacks reported in Owerri West and North LGAs, where villagers have accused suspected herdsmen of terrorising their areas.

Statewide, police say their Anti-Kidnapping Unit has arrested thousands of suspects and rescued dozens of victims in recent months.
Local residents are calling for more patrols, surveillance, and coordinated action to stem the tide of violent crimes.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on Okolie’s case, but sources confirm an investigation is underway.