Gunmen abduct UK-based man in Anambra, demand N100m ransom

Gunmen abduct UK-based man in Anambra, demand N100m ransom

Gunmen abducted Mr. Ikechukwu Okeke, a UK-based Nigerian, shortly after he returned to Amaokpala, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, for his cousin’s burial.

The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2025, after Mr. Okeke attended the burial of his cousin, Mrs. Obiageli Okoli.

Reports indicate that the kidnappers, who had been trailing him, seized him at the gate of his residence, forcing him into a Toyota Sienna before speeding off.

According to the Amaokpala Community in Diaspora, the kidnappers contacted Mr. Okeke’s family, demanding a ₦100 million ransom. Following intense negotiations, an undisclosed sum was paid, leading to his release after three days in captivity.

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Mr. Okeke expressed gratitude for his safe return, recounting his ordeal and attributing the rising insecurity in the state to youth unemployment. He urged the government to prioritize industrial investments, job creation, and enhanced security measures.

The community voiced its frustration with the growing insecurity in Anambra State and called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to take immediate action to restore safety and public trust.

However, Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that no official report of the incident had been filed with the command, urging the victim to report the case for proper investigation.

Gunmen abduct UK-based man in Anambra, demand N100m ransom