The suspected thugs have murdered a couple in Imo state.
The victims, Ifechukwu Martin and Gloria Mba, whose wedding was scheduled for January 18, 2023, were killed on Tuesday in Arondizuogu in the Ideato North Local Government Area of the state.
The groom’s brother, who was driving them, also died in the event, which caused panic in the area.
One resident, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the murder required a holistic investigation.
He said: “A young man returning home for his marriage was killed in his village last night (Tuesday) with his fiancée and the brother who was transporting them on his Keke (tricycle). This happened at Ndiejezie Izuogu at Ideato LGA of Imo State.
“We complained about this reckless kidnapping, murder and burning of vehicles in Arondizuogu last year and the police spokesman assured me that something was already being done about it.
“But since then, murders and kidnappings have happened every day. The people of Arondizuogu did not come back for Christmas and New Year. The few who came could not move in their cars. As we speak, there was a mass exodus of people from Arondizuogu this morning (Wednesday) after last night’s incident.
“Thugs specialize in stealing flashy cars and killing their owners if they refuse to release them. Other times, cars burn up in the process. We are no longer safe in Arondizuogu. Students are afraid to go to school; our mothers no longer go to the markets for fear of the unknown. Please help us before we finish.”
State police spokesman Micheal Abattam confirmed the incident when contacted by our correspondent.
