There was panic in Imo State on Wednesday following the disappearance of three young men.

The men identified as Alaefula Chimuru, Madu Promise, and Victor Chibuike did not return to their homes in Owerri after they left a wedding ceremony at Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

Their disappearance sparked reactions on social media, with many raising concerns that they might have been abducted or arrested by the police.

Brother to one of them, Fortune Madu, told our correspondent on Wednesday that the families had made a statement to the police.

He said, “They left a wedding ceremony at Isiala Mbano on Sunday and didn’t get home. Up till now, we haven’t seen them. Their phone numbers are permanently switched off. We have sent them messages on their social media handles and no reply. We have reported to the police.”

An activist and journalist, Theodore Uba, also confirmed the development in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Owerri.

“This is to inform the general public that these three young men whose pictures appear below have been declared missing.

“The three young men with names; ALAEFULA CHIMURU COLLINS, MMADU PROMISE AND VICTOR CHIBUIKE who [are] based in Owerri, Imo State attended a wedding ceremony in Isiala Mbano LGA on Sunday 28th August 2022 with a grey colour Lexus RX 330, and have been unable to return back to their respective homes from the event.

“[Efforts] to reach them through their mobile devices and social media handles proves abortive. None of their family members has been able to figure out their current location up till now.

“However, we have launched a search for them and have also reported the matter to State CID Owerri Imo State for their swift intervention.

“If you have any information regarding the sudden disappearance of these three young men or update about this ongoing investigation, please contact me or report to the nearest police station,” the statement read.

The police spokesperson for the Command, Micheal Abattam, had yet to respond to an inquiry concerning the incident. (The PUNCH)

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