Police apprehend 2 suspected kidnappers, 4 cultists, armed robber, recover firearms

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Delta State police command has arrested two suspected kidnappers, four cultists and an armed robber and recovered firearms on Tuesday.

Congress gathered that the Divisional Police Officer of Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware received a distress call about a kidnap of one man (name withheld) by three armed men.

The report stated that immediately after the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer swiftly mobilised and led detectives to the scene of the incident and combed all adjoining streets and bushes in search of the hoodlums, and to possibly rescue the victim.

According to a press briefing by CP Abaniwonda Olufemi on 12th March 2024, the victim was later released after an undisclosed ransom was paid.

It was further learnt that being armed with available information, the DPO did not relent and had been on an intelligence-based investigation since the date of the incident.

The statement reads: “The effort of the Command later paid off with the aid of a technical oriented intelligence force, two male suspects namely Peter Idogor, aged 24yrs, and Emmanuel Sunday aged 19yrs, all of Evwreni Community in Ughelli South were arrested.

“These suspects were linked to the kidnap of the victim, and the victim has identified the two suspects. Meanwhile, investigation is still ongoing as effort is being intensified to arrest the other fleeing gang members.

However, another critical arrest was also made when the operatives of CP – DECOY Squad acting on credible intelligence information about cultist activities, stormed one hotel (name withheld) by Federal College Junction, Asaba.

Congress gathered that upon sighting the operatives of the Nigerian police squad, the cultists immediately took to their heels, dispersing towards different directions but were given a relentless chase by the operatives, during which four of the suspected cultists who were hiding inside the ceiling, were arrested.

The suspects were all male residents in Asaba, Delta State and named as follows: Chigozie Edwin, a 28yrs native of Akpuoga Village in Ujodo LGA of Enugu State; James Prince Chukwuebuka, a 20yrs native of Effiom Village in Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State; Harmony Mkemjika Ohanebum, a 30yrs native of Okija Town in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State; and Garba Jubril, a 27yrs native of Kogmbotō LGA, Kano State.

Following the arrest of these suspects, a thorough search was conducted, and two Barretta Pistols with two rounds of Live Ammunition, a locally made cut-to-size Gun with one live cartridge were recovered. “Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing”, he added.

In light of these achievements, the Police Commissioner, Olufemi Abaniwonda warned that engaging in any sort of criminal activities in Delta State had serious consequences, as he had unequivocally instructed officers of the command to spare no effort in bringing criminals to book for their actions.

He further stated that the command remained resolute in its commitment to protecting the lives and properties of all Deltans.