Mr. Justice Azunda, a protocol officer for Chief Emeka Woke, the former chief of staff of the Rivers State Government House, was abducted on Sunday.
The gunmen reportedly broke into the Isiodu community in the state where Azunda and other people were in a meeting and opened fire randomly before removing Azunda.
Speaking about the incident on Monday, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, the chairman of the Emuoha Local Government Area, asserted that the kidnapping was the work of a suspected kidnapper who had been listed as wanted.
In what Lloyd called a “sad incident” on Sunday afternoon, some kidnappers broke into the Isiodu community where Justice Azunda and other people were holding a meeting and opened fire.
“Justice Azunda was taken hostage in the ensuing melee.”
He asked local vigilantes from Emuoha Local Government Vigilante Service to help law enforcement and secure the victim’s quick release.
“Members of the Emuoha Vigilante are active and successful lately. They spent time in the woods. I have once more commanded them to see to it that Justice Azunda is released safely,” he said.
On the same day that he ordered an immediate ban on commercial motorbike operations in the area, he also made an announcement about a N2 million reward for anyone who can help find the kidnapping suspects.
“I want to announce the local government’s 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. motorcycle movement ban,” he said.
“The ban shall take effect on June 5, 2023. I am aware of the difficulty this will bring.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the state police command’s spokesperson, a suspect connected to the kidnapping had been detained and was assisting authorities with their inquiry.
She revealed that in order to ensure Azunda’s prompt release from captivity, the command’s tactical teams had been sent to the area by the state commissioner of police, Emeka Nwonyi.
The suspect is assisting the police with their investigation after being moved to the State Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department.
“Actions are being taken to guarantee the kidnap victim’s unconditional and unharmed release. The CP is ordering a tactical deployment to the area as we speak,” she said.
