A land investor was shot dead and his wife kidnapped on Sunday evening in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State after they were ambushed by gunmen while inspecting a property.
The tragic incident occurred along Irette Road in Umuguma community. The couple was traveling in a Toyota Highlander SUV with two land agents when the attackers struck.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants, who were masked, emerged from a bush path and stopped the vehicle midway through the journey. One of the witnesses, who requested anonymity, recounted that the investor initially managed to escape on foot, leaving his wife behind with the attackers.
“He ran out of the car when the gunmen stopped them. But when he realised his wife had been taken, he tried to come back,” the source said. “That was when they caught him, and after some struggle, they shot him dead right there.”
The gunmen reportedly fled into the nearby forest with the woman, leaving the victim’s body and vehicle at the scene. The two land agents accompanying the couple were able to escape, although one was said to have sustained minor injuries during the attack.
Shortly after the incident, officers of the Nigeria Police Force arrived to secure the area and evacuate the body of the deceased.
Spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident and said the police have launched a manhunt to find the attackers and rescue the kidnapped woman.
“We are aware of this unfortunate event and have started a full-scale operation to track down those responsible,” Okoye said. “The Commissioner of Police has directed the Area Commander for Owerri Urban to lead a coordinated search through the forest in Owerri West.”
He assured the public that the command is doing everything possible to bring the culprits to justice and ensure the safe return of the kidnapped woman.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the local community, where residents have expressed fear over the rising insecurity in parts of Imo State. Many described the investor as a peaceful man involved in land development who had no known enemies.
This attack adds to a growing list of violent crimes in Imo State, which has in recent years faced issues with kidnapping, armed robbery, and attacks by unknown gunmen. The insecurity has made road travel and business operations increasingly dangerous, especially in rural and semi-urban parts of the state.
Residents are calling on the government to strengthen security in the area and increase police patrols to prevent further loss of lives and property.
As of press time, the identity of the deceased investor has not been made public, pending official notification of his family. The whereabouts of his wife remain unknown.
