Police raid kidnappers training school, arrest 37

 

The Abia State Police Command says it has raided one Ugorji compound at the Obingwa Local Government Area used by hoodlums as “a training school for kidnappers.”

Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, while briefing journalists on Thursday, said 37 suspects were arrested by his men during the raid.

The raid, according to him, was carried out following a tip-off that some hoodlums were using the compound located at Umuoke village as a training ground for kidnappers.

He, however, stated that some kidnappings reported in some parts of the state did not suggest that the ‘jungle boys’ which once held the state to ransom were on the prowl again.

The police boss assured residents that security agencies had stepped up surveillance in the state to ensure safety of lives and property.

The police also paraded a suspected kidnapper, who in connivance with other fleeing members of his gang, abducted one Ikechukwu Chiedogo of Ozubulu Road Aba.

According to the police, following a distress call by the wife of the victim, Ogechukwu Chiedogo, about the abduction of her husband, a chase was given the fleeing kidnappers by the police Anti-Terror Squad.

The police boss said as his men were closing in on the kidnappers, they opened fire on the police, adding that two of the abductors fell to the heavier fire power of the police in the ensuing gun duel.

He said one of the gunmen was later arrested while efforts were on to round up other fleeing members of the gang.

The commissioner also said, “The police received a distress call on June 23 that one Okechukwu Ovimpam was kidnapped by Ifeanyi Eluaga, and Abuchi Ohaeri, following which a team of police was dispatched to rescue the victim.

“Consequently, a deserted compound at Eluama Isuikwuato where the criminals fled to was raided by police as the kidnappers turned violent.

During the exchange of fire between the kidnappers and police, one of the suspects, Eluaga , was hit and was arrested , while others escaped with bullet wounds.”

He said the rescued victim had been reunited with his family.

The police boss also said following a letter of threat addressed to one Friday Nweke of Highest Road, Umumba Obohia, Aba, by kidnappers who were making a demand of N300,0000 from the complainant,the police arrested two suspects ─ Jones Nwabeke and Okwukwe Udo ─ who would be charged to court after investigations.