Abia security : Gov. Otti orders demolition of kidnappers’ den in Osisioma

By Editor, Umuahia

Following the rescue of four young men from their abductors by men of the intelligence response team of the Abia state police command on thursday, governor Alex Otti has instructed that the building where those victims were kept for almost a week be brought down.

Responding after receiving the brief of the commissioner of police on the rescue operation by his men, governor Otti reiterated that no part of the state would be yielded to criminals.

He commended the commissioner of police and specially thanked the team which executed the operation for a successful job.

“We will continue to do everything possible to keep the State safe.”I want to thank all of you and reassure Abians and investors that Abia State will continue to be safe for residents and everyone who wants to live or do business in the State,” he said.

The governor promised an undisclosed reward for to the team as a way of encouraging them to do more.

Governor Otti further directed the commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy affairs, Prince Uzor Nwachukwu to look into the activities of the traditional ruler of the community where the victims were kept having warned earlier that traditional rulers must know what happened in their domains.

In his words, “For us in Abia, security is critical. I had said it time and time again, that we would not yield any inch of Abia to criminals. I thank God that the (Police) are also very willing and able to use technology which has helped in enforcing law and order here.

“We will continue to upgrade the technology, I know in no distant future, we will have a command and control centre here in the state capital,” Gov. Otti said.

In his brief earlier to the governor at the banquet hall of government house in Umuahia, CP Danladi Isa said the police men of the IRU were gallant enough to repel the kidnappers in a gun duel wherein 6 of them were neutralised and others fled with bullet injuries.

He disclosed that there had been series of operations lately and appreciated the governor for his support that enabled the successful operation.

He said, “the tactical teams swung into action with the use of the technology we have, which is also what you (Gov. Otti) have assisted us with and in so doing, we have been on their trail and by the grace of God, we were able to track them to Osisioma area.”

Presenting the rescued victims and the tactical team members of the Nigeria Police, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP. Danladi Isa, said the Police are still searching for those who escaped with injuries, saying “and I can assure the public that they must be apprehended to face the full wrath of the law. ”

According to him, “Two AK-47 were recovered, six magazines were also recovered, and 32 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.”

One of the victims , narrated their ordeal in the hands of their abductors from Obingwa to Osisioma, saying they were not fed for five days.

The kidnap victim, (name withheld) narrated their ordeal in the hands of their abductors.

“we were at the kidnappers’ den from that Sunday, the 9th till Friday the 14th and they collected our phones and took the numbers of our family members to call for ransom and took all our money through e- transfer.

“We were kept in a room without any ventilation; a very small room. There was no window. We were there for like five days. So, they collected the phone numbers of our family members who they were contacting to get ransom. “On Friday afternoon, after we had prayed, we heard gunshots. That was when the gallant Nigeria Police came to our rescue, he said.

In his account, he confirmed that people were moving around in that compound as they heard a carpenter working in the next room on Wednesday night as well as children’s voices .

He thanked the Governor and the Police for their professional conduct and the deployment of technology to track and rescue them unharmed.