Two killed as kidnappers ransack Imo market for runaway member

Two persons including a five-year-old boy were killed and six others sustained gunshot wounds when gunmen invaded the Afor Awo Market in the Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State.

The invasion, which took place on Wednesday, threw the community into panic as the gunmen were said to be looking for one of their members on the run.

Panic-stricken traders and residents of the adjoining villages hurriedly closed their shops.

Sources said that there was a quarrel among the gunmen in relation with sharing of booty.

According to the sources, the three hoodlums had a kidnap operation early this year but one of them ran away with the ransom cash, said to be in millions.

He was said to have used part of the money to buy a Lexus car, started building a house and was living large in the village.

His gang members reportedly traced him to the village, but upon sitting them, he sought safety among traders at Afor Awo Market.

The gang members saw him and started chasing him all the way from Ubachima village, shooting.

He ran into the market and that was when the bullets hit some people in the area.

Police spokesman, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident.