Police Confirm Killing of Female Banker in Anambra Despite Ransom Payment

The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the tragic killing of a female banker, identified only as Ifeoma, by suspected kidnappers, despite the payment of an undisclosed ransom by her family.

Ifeoma, a banker based in the commercial city of Onitsha, was abducted and held captive for several days by the assailants, who subsequently contacted her family and demanded a ransom. Unfortunately, despite the payment, the kidnappers still went on to kill her.

Harrison Gwamnishu, a human rights activist, shared the news on Facebook, revealing the heartbreaking details. He wrote, “Ifeoma, a banker was kidnapped in Anambra State. Ransom was demanded and the family paid, but her abductors still killed her and dumped her body around Ideani Junction on the Nnobi/Alor road in Anambra. Lives are being taken daily, and it’s sad that nothing is being done to stop these killings. WHO IS NEXT?”

A source close to the family, speaking anonymously to PUNCH, confirmed the tragedy. The source stated that although the ransom was paid, Ifeoma was not released alive. Her body was later discovered near Ideani Junction along the Nnobi-Alor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area. The kidnappers had been in communication with the family, demanding the payment for her release, but the victim's body was found despite the ransom being settled.

“It is suspected that she may have recognized her captors, and in a bid to silence her, they decided to eliminate her,” the source revealed. The family has been left devastated by the senseless loss of their loved one.

Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the police had been alerted about the discovery of the female corpse along the Nnobi-Alor Road. "The body has been recovered, and photos have been circulated as part of the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death," he said.

The incident highlights the persistent threat of kidnapping in the region, and raises further concerns over the safety of citizens despite ransom payments being made.