Some gunmen have kidnapped three staff of an Enugu State branch of the First City Monument Bank (FCMB).
The three staff, females with one of them pregnant, were reported to have been abducted on Wednesday, close to the University of Nigeria Enugu Campus (UNEC).
Meanwhile, the FCMB in solidarity suspended banking operations on Wednesday, in search of its female staff.
According to eyewitness accounts, the three women, all front desk workers, had concluded their work for the day at approximately 7pm at the Presidential Road Branch near Nkpokiti. They were driving home together in a vehicle when a sudden collision occurred.
Another vehicle had deliberately hit them from behind, prompting the women to step out of their car to confront the supposed offender. But unknown to them, the crash was a premeditated trap set by the kidnappers to take advantage of the situation.
As soon as the women exited their vehicle, gunmen emerged from the shadows, overpowering the unsuspecting victims. The assailants then forcibly abducted the three female bank employees, leaving no chance for escape.
One of the kidnapped ladies is reported to be heavily pregnant, adding further concerns to the already alarming situation.
As the news of the kidnapping spread, law enforcement agencies and security personnel were swiftly mobilised to initiate a search operation.
However, as of the time of this report, the whereabouts of the abducted bank workers remains unknown. Authorities have also revealed that no communication has been received from the kidnappers, and attempts to reach the victims through their cell phones have been unsuccessful, as their numbers appear to be switched off.
The management of FCMB has assured the public that they are fully cooperating with law enforcement agencies and providing any necessary support to aid in the safe recovery of their staff members.
They have also expressed their deepest sympathies to the families of the kidnapped women during this challenging time.
Police sources said that as the investigation into this harrowing incident continues, the public should remain vigilant and report any information that may aid the authorities in resolving the kidnapping and ensuring the safe return of the victims.
Meanwhile, SaharaReporters’ efforts to get the reaction of the Enugu State Police Command for reaction were unsuccessful as the command’s spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe did not take his calls as at the time of filing this report.
