By Kamsi Anayo
Security operatives in Anambra State have killed four persons suspected to be members of a deadly gang of kidnappers, who specialize in terrorizing motorists along Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road in the state.
The road has recently been declared unsafe, with many residents of the state, issuing travel advisory against using the road from 6pm.
The armed robbery and kidnap gang was said to have been confronted on Sunday, after several complaints were made to the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo about the condition of the area.
Chief press secretary to the governor, Mr Christian Aburime who disclosed the killing of the suspects said the governor gave a mandate to security operatives, including the police and local vigilante to dislodge the suspects.
Aburime said: “Following the mandate and declaration by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, to rid Anambra State of all criminal elements, the Anambra State Security Forces on Sunday the 7th of May, 2023 effectively neutralized a deadly gang of kidnappers terrorizing innocent citizens along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani road.
“The gang of Kidnappers who had hitherto terrorized innocent citizens along that axis paid dearly with their lives when Security Forces acting on intelligence report swooped on the areas and engaged them in an intense gun battle.
“Four of the deadly criminals were despatched to the great beyond, while other members of the gang were arrested.”
He said those arrested were already in police net, and have been helping with information on their operations.
Aburime quoted the governor as reiterating his order for all criminal elements in the state to be routed out, while assuring citizens if the state of safety.
Following so much credible information to the Police Command from the residents of Anambra, there are so many joint operations ongoing with the security forces especially the vigilantes aimed at sustaining and enhancing safety in the State.
Also confirming the incident, Anambra Police Command Spokesman, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said the joint operations yielded a major positive development on 7/5/2023 by 8:45 pm.
He said the operatives while on routine patrol along Umusiome Nkpor in Idemili North LGA intercepted a gang of four operating in an unregistered black Lexus SUV, recovered two locally made explosives, one Ak47 rifle, nine live 7.62 ammunition, four Ak47 magazines, Charms and other incriminating items.
According to him, the operatives during the gun duel with the criminals demobilized two of the gang members, while two others escaped.
Ikenga said that efforts were already emplaced to arrest other fleeing gang members.
He said that also earlier on the same date by 4 pm, the Operatives at Azu Ogbunike, Oyi LGA arrested another gang of armed robbery/vandals in the act, vandalizing a truck suspected to have been stolen.
The suspects are one Nwusulor Fidelis ‘m’ aged 51years, Iloegunam Amobi ‘m’ aged 44years, Solomon Akpagu ‘m’ aged 51years and Chidiebere Innocent ‘m’ aged 28years.
“They all confessed to the crime and they are currently helping the police with information on other syndicate members that dispossess innocent drivers of their trucks before bringing them to their criminal hideout at Azu Ogbunike.
“Further details shall be communicated,” he said.
