Unidentified gunmen on Sunday evening shot a land investor dead and kidnapped his wife in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident was said to have occurred along Irette Road, Umuguma, as the couple, accompanied by two land agents, were traveling in their Highlander SUV to inspect a property.

Speaking to reporters, an eyewitness who, pleaded anonymity, said the masked gunmen ambushed the group mid-journey.

“The man was driving with his wife and two land agents when they were attacked. At first, he managed to escape while his wife was held hostage.

“Unfortunately, when he returned to find his wife, the gunmen tried to capture him as well. It appears he resisted, and they shot him dead on the spot before fleeing into the nearby forest with his wife,” the eyewitness said.

The assailants were said to have abandoned the victim’s vehicle at the scene. The two land agents accompanying the couple escaped, though one reportedly sustained injuries. Police operatives later arrived to evacuate the victim’s body.

The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, while confirming the incident, said the Force had launched a full-scale operation to track down the assailants and rescue the kidnapped woman.

“The command is aware of this unfortunate incident and has commenced a vigorous operation to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“The Area Commander for Owerri Urban is currently leading a coordinated search of the forested areas in Owerri West, as directed by the Commissioner of Police, with the goal of rescuing the kidnapped victim and bringing the culprits to justice,” Okoye stated.