Governor Otti Orders Demolition Of Kidnappers’ Hideout In Abia.
Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has ordered the immediate demolition of a building in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa Council, which was used as a hideout by kidnappers to detain four victims for five days without food.
Governor Otti issued the directive on Saturday night after being briefed on the incident by the State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Danladi Isa, who presented the rescued victims. The governor also instructed the State Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner to engage with the community’s traditional ruler to gather further intelligence on the crime.
He expressed disbelief that such criminal activities could take place without drawing the attention of any community members. Reaffirming his administration’s zero-tolerance policy for crime, Otti warned that any house owner or community leader found aiding or providing shelter to criminals would be prosecuted.
Police Raid Rescues Four Victims
CP Danladi Isa reported that the victims were abducted on 9 March along New Umuahia Road in Obingwa Local Government Area. Acting on intelligence, the police tactical team tracked the kidnappers to Osokwa and launched a rescue operation on 14 March.
“Using advanced technology, our men tracked the kidnappers to Osokwa on Friday and stormed the hideout where the victims were being held in a private building,” the CP stated.
“The criminals opened heavy gunfire, but in the exchange, six of them were neutralised, while others fled with bullet wounds. We recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 32 rounds of ammunition.”
The police assured the governor that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing criminals. The CP also commended Governor Otti for his unwavering support for security agencies and urged residents to provide credible information to help combat crime.
Victims’ Ordeal in Captivity
One of the rescued victims recounted their harrowing experience, revealing that they were abducted at Osusu Amukwa in Obingwa while travelling along New Umuahia Road.
“They double-crossed our vehicle, forced us out, and moved us into another vehicle. We were then taken to an unknown location and kept in a small, windowless room in a residential building for five days without food,” the victim said.
He explained that the kidnappers confiscated their phones and used them to contact their families for ransom. Some victims even transferred money to the criminals, but no ransom was eventually paid before the police intervention led to their rescue.
Governor Otti has pledged to continue his administration’s crackdown on criminal elements, ensuring that no part of Abia State serves as a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminals.
