Tragedy struck on Sunday in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when armed assailants attacked a couple and their companions, killing the husband and abducting his wife in broad daylight. The chilling incident occurred around 4 p.m. at Golden Estate, Abba Father Avenue, in the Umuguma area of Owerri West Local Government Area.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victims—whose identities are yet to be formally released—were reportedly on their way to inspect a piece of land they had recently acquired. They were accompanied by two land agents and were traveling in a Toyota Highlander SUV when their vehicle was ambushed by masked gunmen wielding assault rifles.
A source familiar with the incident revealed that the assailants initially attempted to abduct the husband but he managed to escape during the first assault, while his wife was held hostage. The man, unaware of the full scope of the danger, reportedly returned moments later to search for his wife. Tragically, the gunmen, still lurking nearby, seized the opportunity to re-engage. In a bid to resist abduction, he was shot dead on the spot, and the attackers fled into the surrounding forest with his wife.
Gunmen Kill Man, Abduct Wife in Owerri Real Estate Tragedy
Gunmen struck in broad daylight on Sunday, leaving a trail of tragedy in Owerri, the Imo State capital. In a shocking incident that occurred around 4 p.m. at Golden Estate, Abba Father Avenue, Umuguma, in Owerri West Local Government Area, a man was shot dead, and his wife was abducted by armed assailants.
According to eyewitnesses, the couple, accompanied by two land agents, were en route to inspect a parcel of land they had allegedly purchased when they were ambushed by the gunmen. They were traveling in a Toyota Highlander SUV when the attack occurred.
“The man was initially lucky to escape,” a source said. “But when he returned to look for his wife, the gunmen reappeared, killed him instantly, and then dragged the woman into the bush. They left the car behind and fled with her on foot.”
The two land agents narrowly escaped, though one was reported to have sustained injuries. The couple’s SUV was found abandoned at the scene, and the lifeless body of the man was later evacuated by the police.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident, describing it as “deeply troubling” and assured the public that a full-scale manhunt had commenced to rescue the kidnapped woman and apprehend the culprits.
“We are aware of this unfortunate incident,” Okoye said. “A comprehensive operation has begun to track down the gunmen and secure the safe return of the woman. The Divisional Police Officer of Owerri West, alongside tactical units and local vigilante operatives, is already combing the forest.”
He noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered an immediate deployment of additional security forces to ensure the gunmen are apprehended and justice is served.
“The forest and surrounding areas are under security surveillance, and every resource is being used to trace the movements of the gunmen,” Okoye stated. “The safety of our citizens remains our utmost priority.”
The brutal nature of the attack has sparked outrage across the state. Reacting to the incident, Chidiebube Okeoma, founder of the Stand For Humanity Foundation, strongly condemned the killing and abduction.
“This is a reckless and barbaric act,” Okeoma said. “It is unimaginable that gunmen could carry out such an atrocity in broad daylight in a developed estate. It reveals a disturbing collapse in security around our urban areas.”
He expressed concern over an emerging trend of real estate players being targeted by criminal gangs, warning potential investors to take precautions.
“It’s clear that land developers and investors are being watched by these gunmen. People need to be vigilant, especially when going out to inspect properties. Criminals are now exploiting land transactions to stage attacks,” he added.
Okeoma urged the police to double their efforts, not only in tracking the assailants but also in preventing future attacks through increased patrols and intelligence gathering.
“The police must show they are capable of protecting lives and property,” he said. “These killers must be brought to book, and justice must prevail. Also, police presence must be enhanced on the outskirts of Owerri, where such crimes are becoming more frequent.”
As the search continues, residents are left fearful and grieving. Many are now questioning their safety even in gated estates and are calling for urgent government intervention.
The whereabouts of the abducted woman remain unknown. Police continue to work around the clock, combing dense forests and questioning locals in an effort to locate the hideout of the gunmen and secure the victim’s release.
The Imo State Police Command has appealed to anyone with relevant information to come forward, stressing that community cooperation is vital in the fight against organized crime.
Meanwhile, Golden Estate residents have been left reeling from the horror of witnessing such a brutal attack in their midst. The memory of a man who returned out of love and concern for his wife—only to be gunned down by ruthless criminals—now hangs heavy in the air.
As investigations deepen, one thing remains clear: the menace of gunmen in Imo State is far from over, and until decisive action is taken, residents remain vulnerable to the rising tide of insecurity.
