Key Points

• Gunmen shoot a motorist and abduct several residents in Amala, Imo State.

• Police launch joint manhunt and comb surrounding forests.

• Investigators confirm the attackers came from a nearby bush path.

A motorist died after gunmen opened fire on vehicles in Amala Autonomous Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

The attackers also kidnapped the occupants of another vehicle during the Sunday evening ambush.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.

Driver Shot as Assailants Ambush Vehicles

Investigators learned that the gunmen came out of a bush path and shot at a Toyota Highlander SUV. The driver was hit and later died at the hospital.

The attackers then seized the occupants of a Lexus RS300 and fled with them into the forest.

The exact number of abducted victims had not been confirmed as of press time.

Police Begin Search Operation

According to the police statement, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma ordered a sustained manhunt involving other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

Officers from the Ngor Okpala Division responded quickly to the distress call, secured the scene and took the wounded driver to the hospital.

Joint operatives have started bush-combing and tracking operations across the Amala forest belt and nearby communities. Police noted that early findings show the ambush happened at about 5:50 p.m.

The command reported that investigators are already recording progress as work continues to identify and arrest those behind the attack.