Gunmen have abducted a reporter, Gregory Madu of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Owerri, Imo State.

A reliable source close to the journalist said he was kidnapped on Thursday by the hoodlums at Irete in Owerri West council area where he went to inspect land.

Madu, according to the source, was recently posted to the state from Abuja where he worked.

Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye said the abductors had called, demanding ransom.

However, he added that the State command has commenced an investigation to unravel the mystery behind his abduction.

?Yes, a colleague from NAN has come to the office to lodge the complaint and the kidnappers have demanded ransom.

?We?re working seriously on it with the anti-kidnapping division, a serious investigation has also commenced.?

Meanwhile, the area regarded as Umunowoha has been saddled with the same abduction cases, another source told our correspondent.

?This is not the first time people have been abducted in this area; Ndegwu, Orogwe, Amakohia-Ubi have suffered the same fate.

?Land speculators and farmers are now afraid of going to the bushes around these areas,? the source said. (Daily Sun)