Couple brutally murdered by kidnappers despite N7.5m ransom payment laid rest in Anambra (photos/video)

A couple who were brutally murdered by kidnappers despite the payment of N7.5m ransom have been laid to rest in Anambra state. 

Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, 36, and his wife, Mirian Chinwendu, 30, who got married in May 29, 2021, were returning home after attending a programme at the Holy Ghost Adoration, Uke, in the Idemili North LGA, when they were abducted. 

They were buried in their hometown at Isiekwulu, Ukpo, in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State on Thursday, December 15, 2022.

It was gathered that the couple were with their four-month-old baby, whom the kidnappers abandoned in the car. 

A source said family members initially paid the kidnappers the sum of N5m, but the hoodlums demanded an additional N2.5m, which took the family time to raise, as they sold part of their land to generate the money.

After collecting the complete ransom, the kidnappers reportedly switched off their phones.

About two months later, the community saw the corpses of the couple along the Uke-Nnobi Road. The bodies were said to be in chains. 

A family member, Onele Cardinal, who earlier confirmed the incident, wrote;

“Goodnight Mirian Chinwe Muomaife. You left your about 10 month old baby to attend Ebube Muonso adoration at Uke with your husband. Both of you were adbucted on the way. Ransom was paid, patience and hope were high as we all prayerfully expected your release. But all we saw was your corpse and that of you husband. You were gruesomely murdered. I shivered to the marrows watching the video and since morning after I saw it, I have not been myself. We all who knew and had encounters with you while you were alive can attest that you didn’t deserve to end this way Chinwendu. Ezigbo nwanyi nwelu obi sari-sari ! Nigeria failed you !With a very heavy heart, I say rest in peace daughter.”

On Friday, December 16, 2022, he shared a video from the couple’s burial. 

“The remains of Mirian Chinwe Muomaife and her husband Chukwuemeka who were kidnapped and killed recently were laid to rest yesterday at Ukpo in Dunukofia LGA of Anambra State. What a cruel world. It is still very hard for me to accept this reality.”