…5 kidnap suspects arrested – Police

By Chinonso Alozie, Owerri

Residents of some parts of Owerri West and Owerri North Council Areas have called for intervention over the alleged activities of kidnappers in their areas.

Eyewitnesses spoke to newsmen in Owerri, regarding the activities of the hoodlums.

The latest attack was said to have happened last night Wednesday, according to an eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned for security reasons, said it took place around Okpala Naze and Umuogidi Obibiezena in Owerri North Council Area of Imo state.

He alleged it was the Fulani herdsmen that carried out the attack, on one of their brothers popularly known as Koko Nwa Jesus.

This is coming at a time when similar attacks were reported in some parts of Owerri West council area of Imo state, such attacks led to the Federal University of Technology Owerri, FUTO’s University registrar, Chidozie Uba, said: “The management of the University has noted recent kidnapping incidents along the Obinze-Ihiagwa road very close to the University gate. Management also noted that these incidents happen very early in the morning and late in the evening.

“Consequently students are directed to shun unnecessary movements out/into the University between 6 am and 6 pm. To avoid falling victim to these hoodlums. Students are also enjoined to be vigilante and also inform their parents, guardian or any other significant other of their movements.”

Also, residents of the areas have continued to call for intervention from security agencies, in one of the videos that has gone viral online, one of the residents who escaped from the trap of the kidnap syndicate, said: “Right now we are in Obinze, FUTO road. I was on a motorcycle returning to Eziobodo.

“We saw kidnappers at FUTO gate kidnapping people just like that. We saw them and immediately the motorcycle rider reversed as we were trying to turn back the kidnappers started shooting at us but we escaped. We thank God. This is too much in Owerri West Council Area of Imo state. We need help now.”

Reacting, the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “The Nigeria Police Force in its efforts to boost National Security and fortify the safety of every citizen, has conducted several operations across the country, tackling all forms of crime and criminality, particularly in Owerri, Imo State.

“In recent happenings, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Imo State Command, have recorded several milestones of operational success in the fight against all forms of crime in the state, particularly kidnapping. Some of these achievements include the arrest of Five (5) suspects linked to kidnappings in Obinze, Avu, and Ihiagwa, and the rescue of the kidnapped victim. The suspects identified as Umaru Usman, 40, from Mauree in Sokoto; Tukur Yau, 25, from Dawakinkudur in Kano State; Musbau Sabo, 18, from Warsaw LGA in Kano State; Abdul Ibrahim, 30, from Sokoto State; and Jubrin Idris, 35, from Sokoto State, were arrested on the 21st of August 2024 in Avu, Imo State.’

“Another groundbreaking achievement was the arrest of one Nwauba Alex, a 25-year-old male from Ezza LGA, Ebonyi State on August 21, 2024. The suspect was arrested while attempting to rob two residents at gunpoint near Aladinma Primary School, Owerri. Recovered from the suspect were: one locally made pistol, two rounds of live ammunition, and torchlights.

“The Nigeria Police remains relentless in its efforts to combat these heinous acts and reiterates commitment towards bolstering security measures. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., further reaffirms this commitment with the emplacement of both proactive and reactive measures aimed against these crimes,” he said.