Abia police rescue 4 victims, kill 6 kidnappers in gun battle

The Abia State Police Command has successfully rescued four kidnap victims and killed six suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Danladi Isa disclosed the development on Saturday, March 15, at the Abia Government House, Umuahia, while presenting the rescued victims to Governor Alex Otti.

He credited the success to the governor’s continuous support for security agencies in the state.

Isa added that the police received a report on Sunday, March 9, about the abduction of four young men.

The victims were driving a Toyota RAV4 along New Umuahia Road, Obingwa, when armed kidnappers intercepted them at gunpoint and took them hostage.

Using credible intelligence and technology, the command’s tactical team tracked the kidnappers to their hideout in Osokwa, Osisioma Ngwa LGA, on Friday, March 14.

Upon arrival, the police encountered armed resistance, leading to a gun battle in which six kidnappers were fatally shot.

The four victims, who had been held captive in a three-bedroom bungalow for five days, were rescued unharmed.

Security operatives recovered two AK-47 rifles, six magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition from the scene.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other gang members who escaped during the operation.

Governor Otti commended the police for their bravery and use of technology in securing the state.

He assured continued investment in security infrastructure and pledged a handsome reward for the tactical team involved in the successful operation.

“I know that in the near future, we will have a command and control centre in the state capital. We have already made significant progress in its construction,” Otti said.

“I have also instructed that the bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma LGA, where the kidnappers operated and held their victims, should be completely demolished.

“We will locate the owner of the house and prosecute him,” he said.

Governor Otti warned that Abia State would no longer tolerate landlords who rent out their properties to criminals, emphasizing that such individuals would be treated as accomplices to crime.

Reassuring residents, he vowed to maintain a secure environment for all who live and do business in the state.

One of the rescued victims recounted their ordeal, revealing that they were abducted shortly after their friend had been kidnapped earlier the same day in front of his home.

While in captivity, the victim noted that they could hear the sounds of children and ongoing construction work nearby, suggesting that people lived close to the kidnappers’ hideout.

The victim, whose identity was withheld, further disclosed that they were held for five days without food until the police stormed the location and rescued them.