Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Gunmen have abducted an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area in Anambra State, demanding a ransom of N40 million for her release. The abduction occurred on Friday, July 24, 2026, at approximately 7:00 p.m., according to a report filed by security analyst Zagazola Makama. The victim has been identified as Christy Nkiru Okeke, an INEC staff member who was intercepted by gunmen near the Ebenebe community.
The incident was reported to the B Division Police Headquarters in Awka by the victim's husband, Okeke Victor C., after the kidnappers contacted the family and made the ransom demand. Security sources confirmed that operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, the Rapid Response Squad, and other tactical teams have been deployed to the area. Police said extensive combing of surrounding bushes and intelligence-led tracking operations are ongoing to rescue the abducted victim and apprehend the perpetrators.
The abduction of the INEC employee came approximately one hour after a separate attack on a businessman along the same road. Emmanuel Nwobodo, a resident of Nibo, was driving home from Oba Ofemili in his Mercedes-Benz E-Class saloon at about 5:45 p.m. on July 24 when four armed men dressed in dark outfits opened fire on his vehicle near Ebenebe Community Secondary School. Despite coming under attack, Nwobodo reportedly drove through the gunfire before stopping near a Catholic Church a few kilometres away, where he discovered he had sustained a gunshot wound to his left knee. His vehicle also suffered damage to the radiator and rear seat belt guard.
During the attack on Nwobodo, one of his staff members, Tochukwu Afunenu, 40, who was in possession of the businessman's ATM card and two mobile phones, reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Nwobodo later became suspicious after voice messages were allegedly sent from Afunenu's phone claiming that the staff member had been kidnapped and demanding a ransom of N40 million for his release. Investigators are working to establish whether the staff member was actually kidnapped or whether the incident was connected to the earlier attack.
Police are investigating whether the two attacks, which occurred along the same road within a short period, were carried out by the same criminal gang. The circumstances surrounding the abduction of the INEC employee were not immediately clear as of the time of this report. Security operatives have since launched intensified intelligence-led efforts to rescue the abducted INEC staff and track down the perpetrators.
The abduction of an INEC employee in Anambra State raises fresh concerns over the safety of electoral commission staff, particularly in the South-East region where INEC facilities and personnel have previously been targets of attacks. The incident also highlights the growing threat of kidnapping-for-ransom along major roads in Anambra, where armed gangs have increasingly targeted commuters and residents. As the search for Christy Nkiru Okeke continues, her family and colleagues await news of her rescue, while security operatives work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
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