Popular businessman kidnapped in Imo

A businessman, John Ugorji, has been kidnapped by rampaging gunmen in Imo state, sending a wave of trepidation across the south east enclave.

Ugorji is the owner of Johnny Supermarket and Pharmacy, at the popular Ikenegbu Layout, Owerri, the State capital.

It’s gathered that Ugorji, who was abducted on Friday, had earlier resisted abduction, which caused the bandits to shoot sporadically in the air.

This, according to a source close to the victim, caused tension and scared the people away as they scampered for safety.

The source further said, “The incident happened between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm while he was driving home in his SUV”

Another local who spoke in confidence said “Ugorji had resisted being kidnapped, which prompted the bandits to shoot erratically into the air. The source said that this scared people away and caused them to flee for cover.

“He was approached at his drugstore, but when one of his car’s tyres got stuck in a gutter, he attempted to run from the gunman. They then dragged him out of his car, shoved him into theirs, and sped off to an unidentified location. They arrived in two cars.”

According to the source, “The kidnappers have not yet made contact with the family members. We hope that the kidnappers will spare his life and let him return home unharmed.

Confirming the report, the Imo Police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, said a distress call was received from an eyewitness at Ikenegbu, Owerri Urban, that he saw armed men dragging a man out of his vehicle and taking him hostage.

On receipt of this information, Okoye said, “Operatives of the anti-kidnapping squad were swiftly marshaled to the scene. But unfortunately, the hoodlums had already escaped with the unsuspecting victim, highly suspected to be one John Ugorji ‘m’ before the arrival of police operatives, a vehicle suspected to be that of the victim was recovered at the station.

“The victim’s family is yet to make an official report to the police. However’ discreet investigations are ongoing for possible rescue of the kidnapped victims as well as the arrest of his kidnappers.”