In South East geopolitical zone of Nigeria, Enugu State in times past was adjudged as the most peaceful state; cases of kidnappings, and robbery were insignificant compared to her counterparts.
But the narrative is gradually changing as cases of armed robberies and kidnapping in Coal city make waves; worst is the activities of these men on the Enugu-Port Harcourt highway and Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Highway.
Nowadays, commuters on both highways set off in fear and trepidation because of the mayhem herdsmen, terrorists, unknown gunmen, or any name you call them met out on innocent citizens.
Audaciously, these men of the underworld boldly threaten communities warning them of their intentions to attack causing the villagers to live in fear.
A recent case is a video message purportedly sent to Enugu State Government threatening to attack the state if soldiers are not withdrawn from Nsukka within one week; the masked assailant in his address mentioned Vitus Local Government Chairman (Vitus Okechi is the Chairman Igboeze South Local Government in Nsukka area, Enugu State).
Although the Nigerian Police Force Enugu State Command and the State Government has not reacted to the allegation and threat, but the Police have acknowledged the rising insecurity in the state.
The NPF Enugu State Command bulletin signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe reveals;
“Police Operatives of the Command serving in Unity Division, on 21/09/2022 at about 7.10pm, responded to a distress call, alleging that suspected kidnappers blocked the road between Ekwegbe-Agu and Neke-Uno communities respectively in Enugu East and Igbo-Etiti L.G.As, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Highway,”
“The kidnapping attempt of some road users was foiled after a gun duel and thereafter rescued two (2) male victims with their vehicles; the criminal elements were at the verge of kidnapping the men.”
“Similarly, Police Operatives serving in 9th Mile Police Division of the Command, with assistance from Neighborhood Watch Group, Forest Guard and law-abiding citizens, on 16/09/2022 at about 5.30pm rescued in a forest at Okpatu community in Udi L.G.A., four (4) victims alleged to have been kidnapped at Umulumgbe community in the same L.G.A., on 15/09/2022 at about 4pm.”
“Earlier, on 14/09/2022 at about 4.15pm, six (6) kidnapped victims were rescued from the same forest; they were alleged to have been kidnapped on 12/09/2022 at Awhum community in Udi L.G.A.”
While celebrating the gallant efforts of the men of NPF Enugu State Command in rescue of 12 victims in a space of seven days, it is a clear indication that the once peaceful state is gradually losing her strength unless a strategic and effective intervention is employed fast.
Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Ammani, fdc, has ordered the immediate deployment of more intelligence/operational resources to further contain emerging incidents of kidnapping/abduction in some parts of the State, particularly the recent cases along the Enugu/Opi/Nsukka road.
Citizen participation is vital in curbing this menace as the communities wherein these hoodlums have their hideouts are citizens’ home towns hence the Commissioner solicits the support of citizens through prompt provision of credible information and/or intelligence at the nearest Police Station or by calling the Command’s emergency hotlines on: 08032003702, 08075390883 and 08086671202. “
Also, anyone with useful information may send emails via: infoenugupolice@gmail.com or call the Police PRO on 08099854883.”
“All information will be treated with utmost confidentiality and dispatch,” CP Ammani said.
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