U.S.-Based Nigerian Soldier Killed, Wife Abducted in Imo State Ambush
Gunmen on Sunday evening killed a United States-based Nigerian returnee and abducted his wife in Umuguma, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to eyewitness accounts, the victim, an indigene of Ihiala, Anambra State, and a U.S. Army personnel, had visited a site in a Toyota Highlander SUV alongside his wife and a group of land agents to finalize a property deal near Golden Estate/Abba Father Avenue. They were suddenly ambushed by masked gunmen, suspected to be herdsmen. The attackers shot and killed the returnee and abducted his wife, while the others narrowly escaped with injuries. The victim’s body and vehicle were left at the scene.
Eyewitnesses said the soldier initially escaped the attack but was gunned down upon returning to the vehicle, with a fatal shot to the head. His wife was taken into the nearby forest by the gunmen.
As of press time, no contact had been made regarding her whereabouts.
Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the incident, noting that the state Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a thorough investigation led by the Owerri Area Commander.
The incident has triggered fear across surrounding communities, including Irete, Nekede, Avu, Amakohia-Ubi, Okuku, and Ndiegwu. Police have urged residents and prospective land buyers to exercise caution and report any suspicious activity to security agencies.
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