Tragedy struck in Osisioma, Aba, Abia State, on Friday night, June 20, 2025, after gunmen abducted a bride-to-be, Uzoamaka Joseph Aliu, and killed her brother, Chibueze Franklin Joseph, just hours before her wedding.
The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. as the siblings were en route to the church for final wedding preparations.
Chibueze, 27, had travelled from Owerri to support his sister and assist with logistics for the ceremony.
Security expert Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed men intercepted their vehicle, fatally shot Chibueze in the neck, and forced Uzoamaka into a black Toyota Sequoia SUV. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown.
Chibueze was discovered in a pool of blood shortly afterwards and was confirmed dead despite efforts to save him.
His remains have been taken to Alanwendu Mortuary in Osisioma for preservation and an autopsy.
Family sources say Chibueze had been deeply involved in the wedding preparations and was enthusiastic about his sister’s big day.
In response to the abduction, a coordinated search involving the police, local security operatives, and community members has been launched to rescue Uzoamaka and bring the perpetrators to justice.
