“Unknown gunmen have reportedly shot dead Mr. Emmanuel Igwe, an Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff, along the Ivo Local Government Area axis of Ebonyi State,” Vanguard reported.
The incident occurred while Igwe, an Assistant Electoral Officer in Afikpo North LGA, was returning from Abia State. Tragically, his wife, whose name has been withheld, was also abducted during the incident.
SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ebonyi State Command, confirmed the incident, stating that it took place on Sunday around mid-day. According to Onovwakpoyeya, the gunmen shot Igwe through his car’s windscreen.
“We have launched a manhunt for the assailants and remain hopeful that they will be apprehended. The victim was shot through the windscreen of his car,” said Onovwakpoyeya.
It has been reported that the route connecting the Ivo axis of Ebonyi State through Okigwe has recently become a notorious area for kidnappings, often perpetrated by individuals disguising themselves as Fulani herdsmen. Consequently, motorists tend to avoid this route and opt for alternative paths leading to Imo, Abia, and Enugu States.
