By Chinenyeh Ozor, Nsukka

ENUGU State Police Command has rescued one Faith Omobriowo who was kidnapped at Nru, Nsukka local government area, Enugu State on August 8, 2013 by unknown gunmen, killing one of the kidnap gang on the spot. Another suspect said to have taken active part in the killing of a popular human rights activist, Papa Nsukka, early this year in the University town, was also reportedly arrested by the police when they stormed the residence of the deceased suspect at Ede-Oballa, an outskirt of the town.

An eyewitness told Crime Alert that police laid ambush for the suspects at Old Army Barracks, Nsukka where the suspects had gone to collect the ransom of N2.5m as demanded by the kidnappers from her relations.

According to the source,  the two suspects had arrived on a Motorcycle to collect the ransom before the police swooped on them.   The leader of the gang identified as Obiora Agbo was killed on the spot the other suspect escaped.

Investigation by Crime alert revealed that the deceased suspect was an ex-convict from Agbani town in Nsukka who relocated to the nearby village, Ede-Oballa after he was released from prison custody.

When contacted, the Police spokesman in Enugu State Command, Mr Ebere Amarizu confirmed the incident saying the victim was later rescued at Ohebe village in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu state. According to Amarizu, luck ran against the two kidnap suspects while coming to collect the ransom dropped for them by relations of the victim having made arrangements with the police. “Agbo was gunned down while trying to run away after picking the ransom.”

Amarizu further revealed  that after the incident at Nsukka and based on information made available to the police, detectives stormed Ohebe village  in Udenu LG where Omobriowo was being held by her abductors  explaining that the kidnappers exchanged gun battle with the police before  their victim could be rescued. “Police has intensified efforts to ensure that the fleeing kidnap suspects are arrested and prosecuted. We urge the public to always alert the police of any strange happenings and criminal activities in their areas,” he stated.

It will be recalled that one Ifeanyichukwu Okafor had earlier been arrested in connection with the alleged kidnap of the victim on 18/8/2013 along Ozalla road axis of Nkanu West of the state following the operatives’ trail of the suspect in connection with the offense.