A deadly ambush in Imo State has left a driver dead and several passengers abducted after armed men opened fire on two vehicles in Ngor Okpala, police confirmed on Sunday.
The attack occurred in Amala community, an area that has witnessed rising insecurity. Just days earlier, gunmen targeted the advance convoy of Abia State governor Alex Otti along the same route, though no casualties were recorded in that incident.
Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said the attackers emerged from a bush path around 5:50pm, shooting the driver of a Toyota Highlander before abducting all occupants of a Lexus RS300. The driver was rushed to hospital but pronounced dead.
According to Okoye, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has ordered a joint operation involving security agencies and local vigilantes to track down the assailants and rescue the victims. He said officers from Ngor Okpala Division moved swiftly to secure the scene shortly after receiving a distress call.
Security operatives are now combing the Amala forest axis and neighbouring communities in what authorities describe as an intensive search-and-rescue effort. Investigators say early findings already provide leads on the identities and possible hideouts of the attackers.
The incident adds to growing concerns over armed assaults on motorists along highways in Imo and surrounding states, with residents calling for a more sustained security presence in the area.
Police have assured the public that every effort is being made to rescue the abducted passengers and bring those responsible to justice.
