By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
AWKA — Anambra State Police have rescued four kidnap victims, recovered heavy weaponry including rocket launchers and a general purpose machine gun (GPMG), and arrested a domestic worker allegedly involved in the murder of a Pentecostal bishop, in a series of major operations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, told a press briefing in Awka on Tuesday that operatives rescued the victims – including the Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital, Nkpor – on May 10, three days after they were abducted. The rescue followed a fierce gun battle at the gang’s hideout in Obosi, during which two suspects were neutralised and a police officer lost his life.
“We honour his courage, gallantry and dedication to duty,” Mr Orutugu said of the fallen officer.
Officers recovered a locally-made pistol, 100 rounds of live GPMG ammunition, and three vehicles, including a silver Lexus RX 350 belonging to one of the rescued victims.
In a separate raid on May 7 in Orumba South Local Government Area, police targeted camps linked to a proscribed secessionist group. A suspected top commander, Nnamdi Nkemdilim Ogbonna, 37, was arrested. Items seized included a GPMG with 2,000 rounds of live chain ammunition, two fabricated rocket launchers with 25 propellers, ten improvised explosive devices, and three hand grenades.
The Commissioner also paraded a 22-year-old domestic worker and driver, Favour Izunna (also known as Njoku), alleged to have conspired to murder his employer – a Pentecostal bishop of End-Reconciliation Ministry in Asaba, Delta State – before fleeing with the cleric’s Toyota Prado Jeep to Anambra. The vehicle has since been recovered. Mr Orutugu urged residents to exercise caution when hiring domestic staff.
In other operations, police arrested a female suspect over alleged child trafficking in Aguata Local Government Area, rescuing 12 children aged between one and 20 years. Five suspects have also been remanded over sexual offences and child abuse, including a father accused of raping his biological daughter in Oko.
“The Command views crimes against children and vulnerable persons as grave violations,” Mr Orutugu said, vowing that all cases would be thoroughly prosecuted.
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