A female banker, identified simply as Ifeoma, has reportedly been killed by suspected kidnappers in Anambra State, despite her family paying a ransom for her release.
The victim was reportedly abducted in Onitsha and held captive for several days before her captors contacted her family to demand a ransom.
A family source, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed the incident to our correspondent on Tuesday.
The source said, “An undisclosed amount of ransom was paid, but she was not released. Her corpse was eventually found along the road.”
The source continued, “Her body was discovered near Ideani Junction along the Nnobi-Alor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area.
Despite paying the ransom, the kidnappers killed her. It is suspected that she may have recognised the kidnappers, which could be why they decided to eliminate her to avoid being identified. The family is devastated by this tragic news.”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and stated that the victim’s body had been recovered.
Ikenga said, “The command received information about an abandoned female corpse found along the Nnobi-Alor Road, allegedly dumped by suspected kidnappers. The body has been evacuated, and the photographs have been escalated for investigation. Efforts are ongoing to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death.”
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command, in response to the release of two Catholic nuns and another victim who had been abducted, has urged the victims to come forward for debriefing to aid further investigations.
In a press statement on Tuesday, Ikenga emphasised the command’s commitment to collaboration with victims to ensure effective action against criminal activities.
He said, “The Anambra State Police Command is willing to work with victims of abduction to deny criminals the space to operate and to create a safer environment for citizens in the state.
“This commitment follows the release of the two Reverend Sisters who were abducted along Ufuma Road, Orumba North Local Government, and the reported escape of Mr Onyebuchi Okocha (popularly known as Onyeze Jesus) from a criminal hideout.
“The command assures the public of enhanced security dominance and surveillance operations aimed at deterring criminal activities and ensuring public safety across the state.”