Gunmen Kill Man, Abduct Another in Fresh Attacks on Anambra Communities

Gunmen have killed one man and abducted another in separate attacks in Anambra State, deepening concerns over rising insecurity across communities in the state.

The first incident occurred on Friday morning in Awka, the state capital, when three hooded gunmen driving a grey Toyota Highlander without number plates opened fire indiscriminately before abducting an unidentified man. Eyewitnesses captured video footage of the brazen attack, which has since circulated on social media.

Anambra State Police spokesperson, Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, assuring the public that security forces are working to rescue the abducted victim unharmed and to apprehend the perpetrators.

In a separate attack, gunmen abducted a local piggery farmer, identified as Augustine Chido, from his farm in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area on June 19. Tragically, his body was discovered four days later on June 23 near his farm. Police have since deposited the remains in a local morgue, while offering condolences to his family and the community.

Superintendent Ikenga described both attacks as part of a troubling rise in targeted killings and abductions in Anambra and pledged that the police would leave “no stone unturned” in pursuing the culprits.

The latest incidents follow a series of kidnappings across southeastern Nigeria, where armed groups have increasingly targeted civil servants, business owners, politicians, and students for ransom.

Just two weeks ago, gunmen abducted Daniel Onyishi, the Anambra State Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who was released after 10 days in captivity.

Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as security forces intensify operations to stem the tide of violence in the state.