Okey Maduforo, Awka
The Agunechemba Security Squad in Anambra State yesterday raided a suspected kidnappers’ den at Owerezukala in Orumba South Local Government Area.
The security outfit, in a joint operation with local vigilante groups based on intelligence from the natives, stormed the location and arrested nine persons allegedly connected to a series of kidnappings and ritual killings in the town.
Additionally, security operatives recovered motorcycles, power-generating sets, and some arms found at the criminals’ camp.
According to one of the operatives, who identified himself as Sunday:
“We have been monitoring them for some time now, and the villagers have been assisting us. When we confirmed the intelligence, we informed our colleagues in Awka and coordinated with our point men in neighboring towns, who also verified that these men frequented their areas.”
“We discovered that most of them had fled from parts of Arondizuogu in Imo State due to the operations of the Joint Task Force on Security in that state. They relocated to Anambra to continue their criminal activities.”
Continuing, he noted that the stout member of the group is their gang leader, who had been involved in several kidnapping operations across Anambra and Imo states before his arrest.
According to the Special Adviser to Governor Charles Soludo on Community Security, Prince Kenneth Emeakayi:
“It is over for these criminals, and we will leave no stone unturned in unmasking them because we are determined to rid Anambra State of crime.”
“Once again, I want to warn landlords and hospitality business owners to be mindful of the people they accommodate in their houses or lodge in their hotels. If we confirm any involvement, we will demolish such buildings in line with Anambra State laws,” he said.
