JUST IN: Gunmen Abduct Three INEC Officials, Others En Route to Anambra Ahead of Governorship Election

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted six passengers, including three staff members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who were on their way to Anambra State ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

The attack occurred on Tuesday, October 21, near Aloma in Kogi State. The victims were travelling in a Sienna minibus from Abuja to Awka when the assailants ambushed them, firing at the vehicle and shattering its windshield.

According to the bus driver, who survived the attack, all passengers were taken, including his wife. He and an elderly woman who had difficulty walking were released later. “We were in the same vehicle with them, going to Awka. The driver and I were released. It happened a little after 3 p.m. We left Utako motor park at 9 a.m. and stopped briefly at Lokoja to eat before the attack,” the woman said.

The abducted INEC staff have been identified as Chinenye Orji, Adamaka Anih, and Catherine Temaugee. Sources confirmed that the officials were travelling on official duty to print voters’ registers and prepare other election materials ahead of the Anambra governorship poll.

Witnesses reported that the gunmen took all other passengers, including the driver’s wife, into the bush. The case has been reported to the police, but as of the time of filing this report, no ransom demand has been made, and investigations are ongoing.