Gunmen abduct ex-Delta lawmaker, shot police officers

Gunmen have abducted Joan Onyemaechi, a former member of the house of representatives representing Aniocha/Oshimili federal constituency in Delta state.

The gunmen were said to have attacked the former lawmaker’s church, King Jesus and I, located on Ogajifo street off DSB road at 5pm in Asaba, Delta state capital.

They reportedly also abducted her children and shot two police orderlies and a driver.

According to Punch, a source said a stray bullet also struck a passerby, who died on the spot.

“The gunmen stormed the church and immediately shot at the police orderlies and the driver,” the source said.

“They then drove the lawmaker away in her SUV, firing indiscriminately in the street. Unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a young man, who died on the spot.”

Bright Edafe, the state police commissioner, confirmed the attack.

“We are on the trail of the kidnappers, and very soon, I believe we will get them,” Edafe said.

Onyemaechi was the immediate past commissioner for technical education under Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration.

The spate of abductions in the country has risen in recent times.

Weeks ago, a naval rating and seven others were abducted in Ibaka LGA of Akwa Ibom state.

The victims were abducted at the Classic Point Hotel in the Ibaka area of the state where they had gone for relaxation.