INEC Staff Abducted in Anambra, Ransom Set at N40 Million

Christy Nkiru Okeke, an employee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was abducted by gunmen in Anambra State on July 24, 2023, around 7:00 p.m. The incident took place along the Ebenebe axis of Awka North Local Government Area, an area experiencing heightened security issues.

Following her abduction, her family sought her whereabouts until the kidnappers contacted them, demanding a ransom of N40 million. The situation escalated as another violent incident occurred on the same road shortly before Okeke's abduction, where businessman Emmanuel Nwobodo was attacked by armed men.

Nwobodo managed to escape but sustained a gunshot injury to his left knee. Investigators are examining whether the two incidents are connected, especially after voice messages were allegedly sent from Nwobodo’s staff member, Tochukwu Afunenu, claiming he had been kidnapped and also demanding N40 million.

Security operations have intensified in the area as authorities seek to dismantle the suspected organized criminal network.