Nigeria - Imo State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Lady Chioma Ogoke, has been kidnapped by hoodlums in Owerri. Ogoke was said to have stopped near a popular restaurant in Ikenegbu Layout to buy recharge card when she was accosted by the gun-wielding hoodlums and taken away.

This is coming a few days after Imo State Government launched Operation Rescue Imo.

A reliable top government functionary, who did not want his name in print, confirmed the incident. The commissioner's official car was reportedly abandoned by the hoodlums.

As at press time, the kidnappers were yet to make any contact with the family.

Vanguard/10/10/2011