Panic as gunmen, kidnappers lay siege on Imo community

Residents of Abba in Nwangele Local Government Area of Imo State are in quandary following the invasion of their community by gunmen and kidnappers.

Our correspondent gathered that in the last one month, no fewer than six persons have been abducted in Abba and neighbouring communities.

Mostly targeted were PoS operators, who are being robbed daily by gunmen, suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network, who have been dislodged from the city centre.

Our correspondent gathered that since the busting of most camps used by the group from different parts of the state, they have moved to rural areas.

Two persons were kidnapped on Sunday at Amukwe Ofeorie, opposite Christ the King Catholic Parish.

One of those kidnapped, simply identified as Ikuku, who operates a PoS point in the area, was said to have had two robbery experiences prior to the Sunday incident.

According to a neighbour, Ikuku was robbed twice – one in his house and the second in his shop.

A native of Abba, but resident in Onitsha, Chimezie Okpara, was also abducted when he came home for the burial activities of his in-law.

“We are living in constant fear as these gunmen operate in broad daylight unchallenged. They operate mostly with Sienna cars and are heavily armed. They target shops and PoS operators from whom they snatch money,” said one of the residents who declined to mention his name.

Spokesman of Imo State police command, CSP Mike Abattam, said that the command will investigate the incidents and, if possible, deploy a tactical team to deal with the situation.