The South East geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on weekend witnessed the bandit’s devilish operations on Enugu-Port Harcourt highway resulting in the abduction of some unidentified passengers in three buses.
The bandits heavily armed swung at the unsuspecting commuters at the Leru-Ihube-Okigwe road, and marshaled them into the bush.
Soldiers who came to the scene in response to the distress call were equally attacked and their military van was purportedly set ablaze.
Speaking to newsmen on the unfortunate situation, a youth of Umunneochi community revealed that about 30 bandits took advantage of the evening rain on Saturday to block the highway causing gridlock that stretched to Leru junction as commuters mistook them for policemen on the roadblock.
He further stated that some of the commuters who alighted their vehicles to verify the cause and extent of the gridlock took to their heels when the bandits opened fire on a military van that came to save the situation; some persons he said sustained bullet wounds and motorists abandoned their vehicles and scampered for safety.
Confirming the attack, Eze Chikamnayo, who is the Commissioner for Information, Abia State and the Secretary of Umunneochi Security Committee, stated, “It happened at the expressway between Ihube and Umunneochi. In Umunneochi proper, there has been a mass reduction in the number of such incidents but they have migrated to the border between Umunneochi and Imo State.”
He however revealed that Umunneochi Security Committee is setting up checkpoints in their area to curb and repel the activities of these hoodlums but asked for more time to investigate so as to be able to give accurate information on the casualty figure.
“I think it’s a sign of victory for us that they have left Umunneochi LGA and migrated further towards the express; they are at the boundary between Abia and Imo, precisely at Ihube,” Eze said.
Knowing the location of these bandits as disclosed by the Commissioner, one would think that combined efforts of the security agents in the surrounding states would exterminate them.
- Abusing The Nation’s Legal Tender Now Comes With Severe Consequences - April 24, 2024
- Enugu Lawmakers Amending Criminal Code Lawto Criminalize Ransom Payment - April 24, 2024
- Enugu Govt. Reveals Plan For Generating Plants At NERC Townhall Meeting - April 19, 2024
