An Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Staff Mr. Emmanuel Igwe has been reportedly shot dead by unknown gunmen along the Ivo Local Government Area axis of the State.

The victim, an Assistant Electoral Officer in Afikpo North LGA, encountered the assailants while on his way back from Abia State.

Vanguard gathered that the victim’s wife (names withheld) was equally kidnapped.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Ebonyi State Command, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya who revealed that the incident occurred on Sunday around mid-day, said the gunmen shot the victim through his car’s windscreen.

“We have began a manhunt for the assailants. We are hopeful that they will be apprehended. The victim was shot through the windscreen of his car “

Vanguard learnt that in recent times, the route linking Ivo axis of Ebonyi State through Okigwe has become a den for kidnappers masquerading as Fulani herdsmen.

Motorists are usually not seem on that route as they have chosen an alternative route to Imo, Abia and Enugu States. (Vanguard)