2 suspected kidnappers killed in Abia State by Soldiers
Soldiers attached to the 144 Battalion, Asa Ukwa West council area of Abia State have killed two kidnappers as their gang made to escape from a foiled kidnap operation at Umukanma village in Ugwunagbo council area.
The gang which specializes in kidnapping and armed robbery operates between Abia and Akwa Ibom States, is suspected of being behind the death of a respected elder in the community whom they accused of divulging information about their activities to the security agencies. A source at the battalion stated that their investigations revealed that one of the leaders of the group, identified as Okechukwu broke out from his former gang and formed a new one with which he carried out kidnapping and armed robbery attacks in the area.
The other members of the gang including one Amarachi, suspected to be the cook and informant to the gang have also been declared wanted. Attempts to get the reaction of the Army Public Relations Officer, 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Major Sidney Mbaneme, proved abortive. However, a soldier at the 144 Battalion disclosed that efforts were on top gear to arrest the fleeing gangsters.