Kidnappers storm Afikpo, shoot Chief Alazu, kill one, kidnap others
….Demand N50m ransom for victims
Tragedy struck in Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi state as kidnappers invaded the area on Monday evening, killing a girl and whisking away two others.
Investigations revealed that the hoodlums stormed Ndibe Beach Road in Afikpo at about 8:00pm on New Year day, opening fire on the convoy carrying Engr. Vincent Alazu Eloy (known as Chief Alazu).
It was learnt that the gang, numbering five, trailed the convoy carrying some Afikpo sons and daughters, who came in from London for the Yuletide.
On getting closer, they opened fire on one of the cars behind Chief Alazu’s Jeep and shot sporadically into the car.
On sensing that something was wrong, the driver of one of the cars pulled up and the hoodlums went straight for the passengers.
They ordered two girls, who came in from London, and a boy, a relation in their company, who came in from Owerri, into their car.
Not done yet, the hoodlums attempted to stop Chief Alazu’s car too, possibly to kidnap him, but the driver of the Jeep refused to stop.
The kidnappers then rained bullets into the Jeep and subsequently shot the tires.
According to an eyewitness, Mr Onya Idam, sensing danger, Chief Alazu’s driver sped off and managed to escape even as his boss had sustained bullet wounds.
The witness said fearing that passers-by may raise the alarm, the kidnappers zoomed off with their three victims.
However, on noticing that one of the girls, Chinyere, who also came in from London to celebrate Christmas, was lifeless, following the gunshots, they pushed her out of the car.
The body was picked up and deposited at a mortuary in Afikpo.
Further investigation revealed that the kidnappers had called a member of the family of one of the victims and demanded N50m as ransom.
As at the time of filing this report, Chief Alazu is said to be in one of the hospitals in Abakaliki receiving medical attention.
Credit: The Beagle Newsonline