…Otti spits fire against criminals
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than six kidnappers met their Waterloo in Abia State during a gun duel with the police.
The kidnappers were responsible for the abduction of four victims at Umuahia New Road, Aba on Sunday, March 9.
Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, who disclosed this at a press conference in Umuahia, said four victims were rescued unhurt.
The CP said the victims were kidnaped around 8pm when they went to drop off their friend.
CP Isa said: “Unknown gunmen double-crossed the victims and took them to an unknown destination.
“Then our tactical team swung into action, and with the help of technology provided for us by Gov. Alex Otti, we were able to track the kidnappers to a surbub in Osisioma Ngwa area.”
According to him, when the tactical team attempted to bust the kidnappers den, they were engaged in a gun duel by the criminals.
The CP further said that some members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds.
“We encountered them on Friday. When we got to where the victims were kept and wanted to make our way into the premises, our tactical team came under heavy gunfire. During the exchange of fire, six of the criminals were neutralised. Some escaped with bullet wounds.”
The Police boss identified items recovered from the kidnappers to include: six AK 47 riffles, six magazines, 32 rounds of ammunition.
Isa, who said the Command had recorded a lot of success in the recent times in the fight against criminality, solicited the cooperation of members of the public especially in volunteering of useful information that could lead to the arrest of criminals.
The CP assured of the readiness of Police in collaboration with other security agencies to keep Abia safe.
Speaking at the press conference, Gov. Otti thanked the police for their gallantry in rescuing the victims.
Noting that security remained a top priority of his Government, Otti vowed that no inch of Abia soil would be yielded to criminals.
He ordered immediate demolition of the house where the kidnappers operated from and where the victims were kept.
Gov. Otti also ordered the arrest of the landlord for prosecution, adding that the traditional ruler of the community will also be engaged.
“I have instructed that the house in Osokwa Osisioma Ngwa where the kidnappers operated from, and kept the victims be brought down completely. We will also locate the landlord if he has not been located for prosecution. If any landlord yields his house to criminals, he must also be a criminal.
“I have also directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to interface the traditional ruler of the community. For four men to be brought into a community and kept for several days, somebody must take responsibility.”
He promised more support for police, and tough time for criminals in the state.
“Once in a while sporadic attacks occur but when we know about it, we pursue the criminals.”
The Governor promised “financial rewards” for the members of the tactical team,” commended them for “doing a great job.”
He said that the successes recorded in the operation was a testimony that the investments the “state is making in security are yielding results.”
Otti congratulated the victims for making it alive, and thanked God that they were rescued unhurt.
“Government will continue to do everything possible to keep Abia safe,” he added.
Narrating their ordeals later in an interview with newsmen, one of the victims said they were abducted last Sunday night while trying to drop off a friend.
“Last Sunday, we went to drop our friend at Osusu area of Umuahia road. They (the kidnappers) double-crossed us and pointed guns at us. They had already kidnapped one man in front of his house and collected his car and were driving around for about two hours.
“Then they collected our car and drove us to an unknown destination. From Sunday to Friday, they kept us in one small room without a window. They collected our phones and phone numbers of our family members for ransom. They also collected our money and some made transfers to them.”
On how they were rescued, he said: “On Friday afternoon after we had prayed, we heard gunshots when the police team arrived. They were engaged in a gunfire with the kidnappers. Later the police came to the small room where we were kept and rescued us.”
Asked if there were other people in the compound where they were kept, he said: “We heard voices of even children in the premises.”
“On Wednesday night, the kidnappers brought a carpenter to do some work in the place.”
Asked if they were fed by the captors, he answered in the negative.
He also said no ransom was paid.
