At least five person have been kidnapped by unidentified men wielding guns in Anambra State on Easter Monday.

It was gathered that the five person who attended the traditional marriage ceremony of a cousin to the Commissioner for Special Duties, Barrister Sly Ezeokenwa were on their way back home when they were kidnapped at gunpoint.

An alert message by the Commissioner, which was made available to our correspondent stated that the victims were kidnapped around Akpo Community in Aguata LGA at about 10pm on Monday, and that no contact has been established with them or the kidnappers.

Barrister Ezeokenwa wrote: “The following friends of my cousin – Sampson Okafor, Chidozie Eze, Franklin Osuuagu, Chijioke Uduba, Benedict Ozoagwu who visited for his traditional marriage yesterday (Monday) were kidnapped at gunpoint at about 10pm last night in Udo Village, Akpo in Aguata Local Government Area along Akpo – Nkpologwu Road about 300m to Akpo Junction. We are yet to establish any contact with the victims.”

When our correspondent reached out to the Spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Toochukwu Ikenga, he confirmed the development.

He said the Command has launched operation to rescue the abducted persons, and that the Commissioner has also been contacted over the claims.

“The Command has already made contact to the Honorable Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Sly Ezeonkenwa and operation is currently ongoing for possible rescue of the victims,” he stated.

• From Sunny A. DAVID (South East Editor)