Gunmen have kidnapped three people, including a lawyer, in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.
The incident occurred at about 8am on Sunday at Nkpologwu community, Aguata Local Government Area of the state, residents told PREMIUM TIMES.
One of the residents, who asked not to be identified, said the victims were kidnapped from different locations within the community.
He identified the victims as Arinze Egenti, Celestine Ezeike and Victor Ezeoke, a lawyer.
“They returned last week to attend an event organized by our women who celebrate August yesterday (Saturday),” she said.
Another resident, Jude Ezeokonkwo, said the gunmen had jumped onto Egenti's vehicle and dragged the steering wheel with it.
“But the vehicle rolled over and crashed into a drain. They got out and kidnapped him,” he said.
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Viral music video
A video clip recorded after the kidnapping has been circulating on Facebook.
In the clip, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, a Nissan SUV is seen flipping inside a drain.
“This is happening early in the morning. This is Arinze Egenti’s vehicle. It was hijacked by armed men,” a male voice can be heard in the background of the video.
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“I was inside. The moment I opened the door to go out, I saw the gunmen shooting,” another male voice said in Igbo.
The police speak
When contacted on Sunday evening, police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the development to PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Ikenga, the Superintendent of Police, said the state police command had launched an operation to track down the kidnappers.
“We are working with locals for the possible rescue of the victims,” he said.