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Persons suspected to be gunmen on Sunday shot dead a young man and wounded two others after kidnapping a man in Okuku, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The kidnap victim is alleged to be an uncle of a board member of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, Jasper Azuatalam.
In addition to being APC board member, Mr. Azuatalam is also described as an Executive Director of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
The killing of the man who was identified as Charles Ibe, eyewitnesses said, was sequel to his (Ibe) blocking the kidnappers’ escape route.
Angered by the action of the deceased, the gunmen reportedly came down from their vehicle, and shot at Ibe until he died.
They also grievously injured the legs of two others with gunshots before fleeing the scene with their victim, our source said.
A source in the community, Martin (surname withheld), told journalist that the kidnap victim was an uncle to one Jasper Azuatalam, an Executive Director of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, and also a member, Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress.
The source said that the injured persons were immediately taken to an undisclosed hospital, while Ibe was confirmed dead.
Martin said, “After kidnapping their target, the kidnappers were about to drive out but a young man hurriedly blocked their exit route.
“Angered by the development, the gunmen came down and shot him repeatedly until he died.
“They also injured two other persons before driving away.”
When contacted on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident and told our correspondent that two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.
The Police spokesperson said that immediately the news of the kidnap filtered in, the operatives of the Command swung into action and arrested the suspects on Monday.
The Police said that the suspects have been transferred to the state Police Command headquarters for further investigation and possible prosecution.
