POLICE NAB 20 KIDNAP, ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS IN EBONYI

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Police in Ebonyi State have arrested twenty suspected kidnappers and rescued their victims during various operations within the stage and in neighbouring Abia State.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Ebonyi State, Mrs. Onome Onovwakpoyeya, explained that the suspects included those who killed a man believed to be a member staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and abducted his wife, Charity, on the Mpu-Ishiagu Road in Ivo Local Government Area last week.

The statement further noted that the suspected kidnappers, who were nine in number, took their victim to Lokpanta Forest in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State where she was later rescued by the operatives.

“Sequel to the kidnap of Igwe Charity Chidimma Nwosu on the 18/06/2023, whose husband was shot and killed during the incidence, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Police Command, CP Faleye S. Olaleye directed the tactical teams to embark on an intelligence led investigation and ensure that the kidnappers are apprehended, arrested and brought to book.

“In compliance with the CP’s directive, on 24/06/2023, at about 1400hrs, the tactical teams of the command acting on credible intelligence embarked on a rescue mission to the hideout of the kidnappers in a forest in Lokpanta Community in Umunneochi LGA in Abia State where the victim was rescued unhurt and nine (9) suspects arrested.

“All nine suspects are from Lokpanta in Abia State and their names are Ogbonna Victor, Christian Uche, Chukwu Nelson, Ifeanyi Egwu, Ude Sylvester, Chinedu Aja, Onyebueke Chidera, Ude Nnabueze, and Nweke Henry,” the statement listed.

Other suspects, which included armed robbers, were arrested in Izzi, Àbakaliki and a forest behind Chuba Okadigbo International Airport Onueke and their victims rescued.

Items allegedly recovered from the suspects included 206 full length of 25mm valued at #4.7million, two locally fabricated Revolver pistol, Pump Action gun, 18 Live cartridge and assorted phones.

Others were one AK 47 rifle with thirteen Live ammunition, one G3 rifle with nine live ammunition loaded in its magazine and one Lexus 330 RX salon car.

The statement noted that the suspects would be arraigned in court after investigations.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU