TheCable

The Imo police command says it has rescued a woman and three of her children abducted from their residence at Naze in Owerri North LGA of the state.

Hussaini Rabiu, Imo commissioner of police, disclosed the development on Monday in a statement by Michael Abattam, the command’s spokesman.

According to the statement, one Obinna Odika raised the alarm that his wife, Chinenye, and three of their children were kidnapped by gunmen on August 19.

Rabiu said the command disseminated the report to all the police formations and tactical units for prompt interception and arrest of the kidnappers.

He added that three suspects have been arrested in relation to the incident.

“Upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and eventually led the Police to their hideout in a forest in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State. On sighting the police, they fired at them and the police retaliated. In the gun duel, one of the kidnappers was neutralised, while two others were arrested with bullet injuries,” the statement reads.

“The Command revealed that on searching their hideout, one pump action gun, three locally-made pistols, fourteen rounds of live cartridges and three hundred and sixty-one thousand naira (#361,000.00), suspected to be part of the ransom money collected, were recovered.

“Also recovered are one sea blue-coloured Sienna vehicle with registration number Imo State, WER 969 ZE and a motorcycle with registration number KWE 310 QX used by the suspects in kidnapping the victims.

“Speaking further, the Command hinted that on further interrogation, the arrested suspects revealed where the kidnapped victims were kept and led the police tactical teams of the command to Central Primary School, Mbutu Okeohia in Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo State, where the four kidnapped victims were rescued safe, unhurt and have been reunited with their families.”

According to the Imo police command, two injured suspects were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, “for medical treatment”.

Rabiu added that efforts are ongoing to arrest the other members of the syndicate.

The police commissioner also urged residents with credible information to always report any suspicious activity observed within their environment to the nearest police station.