By Promise Uzoma Okoro, Umuahia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has ordered the complete demolition of a bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Local Government Area, where four kidnapped victims were rescued following a fierce gun battle between tactical officers of the Abia State Police Command and the kidnappers.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall of the Abia State Government House on Saturday during a joint press conference with the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, Governor Otti declared that his administration will not spare any building or individual linked to kidnapping activities in the state.
“I instructed earlier today that the bungalow in Osokwa, Osisioma Local Government Area, be completely demolished. We will also identify and prosecute the owner of the building,” the Governor stated.
Additionally, Governor Otti directed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Uzor Nwachukwu, to engage the Traditional Ruler of Osokwa Community to explain how four kidnapped victims could be hidden in the area without his knowledge.
Governor Otti commended CP Danladi Isa and his tactical team for their bravery in rescuing the victims and neutralizing six kidnappers after an intense gunfight.
“We have made it clear that no part of Abia will be ceded to criminals. On behalf of the Abia State Government, I thank you,” he said.
The Governor also hinted at a financial reward for the police team, saying, “I have already whispered to the CP that a financial reward awaits you.”
Earlier, Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, stated that while the command has recorded several successes in the fight against crime, this latest operation was especially significant and worthy of recognition by the state’s Chief Security Officer.
“On March 9, four men were kidnapped along Umuahia New Road in Obingwa by unknown gunmen. Our tactical team immediately swung into action, utilizing our technology to track the kidnappers’ location in Osisioma,” CP Isa explained.
“Yesterday, we moved in and encountered them in a fierce gun battle. Despite being under intense fire, our tactical team successfully rescued the victims and neutralized six of the kidnappers.”
The Police Commissioner emphasized that the security efforts in Abia are yielding positive results and assured residents that the command remains committed to maintaining peace and safety.
Meanwhile the police in a press statement on Saturday also added that “two AK-47 rifles, six
magazines, and 34 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the scene and efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang who escaped with bullet injuries.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa has advised the good people of Abia State to report anyone with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or contact the Command through the following emergency numbers:
08035415405, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08079210006
He has also assured Abians that the command is working assiduously to nip crime and criminality at the bud and for any crime committed, the suspects will be tracked and arrested to face the wrath of the law.
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