Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Commissioner of Police, Abia State, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has clarified that the kidnap of Bishop Uka Uka Osim of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, his wife, son and others, did not occur in Abia State contrary to reports in the social media.
The CP who made the clarification in a statement Sunday, said that investigation revealed that the alleged abduction happened in Anambra State.
Onwuemelie in the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Maureen Chinaka, advised media practitioners to always verify their facts to avoid misinforming the public.
According to the statement, police in synergy with other security agencies are committed to the security of lives and property in the state.
The statement read in part: “The Abia State Police Command wishes to unequivocally refute misleading online reports alleging that gunmen on Wednesday, 01/05/2024, abducted an Archbishop of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, Uka Uka Osim, in Abia State.
“On Saturday 04/05/2024, some online reports had quoted one Bishop Dennis Onuoha of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, as having stated that Archbishop Osim, his wife, son, and three other priests of the religious group were kidnapped in Abia while on their way to Anambra State.
“Abia State Police Command has investigated the story, and contacted Bishop Dennis Onuoha, who denied stating that the incident occurred in Abia State. The Bishop confirmed that the kidnapping incident did not occur in Abia but rather in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday 1 May 2024.”
The CP reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that Abia State is safe for all, and urged members of the public to go about their lawful businesses without fear.”
