Gunmen abduct bride-to-be, kill her brother hours to wedding in Abia

Gunmen have killed a 27-year-old man and abducted his sister, Uzoamaka Joseph Aliu, just hours before her wedding in Abia State. 

The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Osisioma, Aba. The victim, Chibueze Franklin Joseph, had travelled from Owerri to attend the ceremony and was accompanying his sister to the church. 

Security analyst Zagazola Makama confirmed the incident on Sunday. According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle carrying the siblings was intercepted by armed men who shot Chibueze in the left side of the neck and then pushed him out of the car before fleeing with the bride in a black Toyota Sequoia SUV. The vehicle’s registration number has not yet been determined. 

Chibueze was later found in a pool of blood and pronounced dead after attempts to save him failed. His body has been deposited at Alanwendu Mortuary in Osisioma for preservation and autopsy. 

Sources close to the family say that Chibueze had been excited about his sister’s wedding, scheduled for the following day, and had taken it upon himself to help with logistics and preparations. 

In response to the incident, a massive search effort has been launched, involving police, local security volunteers, and community members, to locate Uzoamaka and ensure her safe return.