Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri
An exclusive investigation by Ikengaonline has revealed how hoodlums disguise as estate developers, lure prospective land buyers to locations in the bush, and kidnap their victims for ransom in Imo state.
Our Correspondent gathered that one of such incidents happened between the forest of Avu in Owerri West local Government Area and Obosima in Ohaji/Egbema local government area both in Imo state.
The latest victim said to be a businessman, hails from Ohaji/Egbema, but lives in Umuguma area, where he sells building materials. However, his name was withheld for security reasons.
He was rescued from the forest within the Avu and Obosima areas last Wednesday through the effort of a local security outfit. This was after he was said to have spent 7 days in the forest.
Speaking to Ikengaonline, one of the local security agents, said it was based on intelligence that they got to know about the man whose two legs and hands were tied by the kidnappers and dumped in the forest while waiting for the ransom.
He said the man was rescued with the collaborative efforts of the Anti-kidnapping unit of the police, who stormed the forest and rescued the man unhurt.
The security officer who narrated the issues surrounding the kidnap said: “The man was kidnapped and stayed in the forest for 7 days. They kept him in the bush between Avu in Owerri West and Obosima in Ohaji Egbema. The kidnappers were carrying the man from one position of the bush to the other using a motorcycle to avoid anybody catching them. So, they change locations frequently.
“He was invited by the young boys to come and rent a shop from one of the estates around there. The man is from Ohaji/Egbema and lives in Umuguma in Owerri West LGA, doing the business of building materials. He was asked to pay a ransom of N4 million naira.”
“We thank God the man has been rescued by the anti-kidnapping unit of the police with the help of community security. He mentioned one of the suspects from Obosima and as I am talking to you now, the security men have taken note of the leader of the gang,” he concluded.
