Imo: Police Closes In On Suspected Abductors Of Monarch, Recovers Uniform Of Kidnapped FRSC Officer

By Ayodele Oni

The Imo State Police Command’s efforts to free an official of the Federal Roads Safety Commission (FRSC) and a Traditional Ruler abducted a few days ago are yielding results.

The Command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, disclosed on Tuesday that it has bursted a criminal den that may lead it to apprehend those behind the kidnap.

The FRSC officer, Sabinus Ugwuebu, and HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri, the immediate past Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, were kidnapped few days ago at different locations in Imo state.

Okoye, explained that  Police operatives in collaboration with the military, made the breakthrough when they stormed a hideout suspected to be IPOB/ESN camp at Ihite Owerre, in Orlu Local Government Area of the State at about 3.30 am on January 9, after a gun duel.

He said after a protracted gunfight with the alleged IPOB/ESN members an unnamed suspect was apprehended while others escaped with gunshot injuries.

“The arrested suspect, who is believed to be a member of the ESN terrorist group may lead to where the kidnapped victims are.

“On searching the camp, we recovered road safety uniforms of the kidnapped officer, Sabinus Ugwuebu.”

He added that other items recovered include one pump action gun, two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, 54 rounds of live cartridges, military uniforms, six motorcycles and a box containing locally made explosives.

“A concerted investigative effort is in progress to arrest the fleeing suspects and possibly rescue the kidnapped victims.”

Okoye assured that the Command would continue to work closely with the Military and other relevant security agencies towards stamping out all forms of crime and criminality in the State.