The Imo State Police Command has begun a coordinated manhunt for gunmen who shot and killed a driver and abducted several motorists in the Amala area of Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area.
The incident occurred around 5:50 p.m. on December 7, according to a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye.
Okoye said the attackers emerged from a bush path and opened fire on a Toyota Highlander with registration SMK 514 BD, killing the driver on the spot. The gunmen later abducted the occupants of a Lexus RS300 with the number plate FSD 334 XA.
Police deploy joint teams, begin bush-comb operations
Okoye explained that officers from the Ngor-Okpala Division responded swiftly after receiving a distress call. The area was cordoned off, and the injured driver was rushed to hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
He said the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered an intensive, multi-agency operation involving police tactical units, other security agencies and local vigilante groups to track down the attackers and rescue the kidnapped victims.
“Preliminary findings show that armed men emerged from a bush path at Amala and attacked the vehicles. The command has launched an intensive operation to apprehend the hoodlums and rescue the victims,” the statement read.
Security operatives have reportedly begun bush-combing, search-and-rescue missions, and surveillance patrols around Amala forest and neighbouring communities, with investigations already yielding promising leads.
Police urge public support
The command assured residents that all necessary resources were being deployed to ensure the victims’ safe rescue and prevent further attacks.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and provide useful information to assist the ongoing operation,” Okoye added, providing the emergency line 0803 477 3600.
The attack adds to growing public concern over rising incidents of abduction along rural routes in the state.
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