The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, called for a detailed investigation into the rising kidnap incidents along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road because of the revelations of the victims.

No fewer than three separate kidnap incidents occurred in the area last week with some of the victims being students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), and some high-profile politicians in the State.

These incidents spurred allegations that the kidnappers have internal collaborators among security agencies. Indeed, some of the abductees who were released after payment of ransom confided in The Guardian that the kidnappers are working hand-in-glove with some unscrupulous security operatives.

A victim who pleaded anonymity said that policemen at checkpoints usually give kidnappers a cue to act when they spot potential victims.

“In my case, the police pulled us over and suspiciously asked us to move at once. The moment we moved, they released a gunshot alerting the kidnappers to come out of their hiding. Immediately afterward, gunshots came from everywhere, and we were surrounded and marched into their camp.

“From the discussions, it is clear that some of the kidnappers are serving soldiers. The kidnappers use AK-49 and Beretta pistols. Each time the soldiers come to the camp to drop food and arms, they would blindfold us. Most of the soldiers involved are imported into the state from Umuahia, Abia State, and they speak pure Fulani and kept boasting that there was no need to involve the police, as they had the backing of the high-ranking army and police officers.”

In a statement, the National Leader of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, stated that there was a need to probe security operatives that were on duty when the incidents took place.

While describing the development as the importation of insecurity into Enugu State to dent its peaceful status, Okwu said: “We, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths are demanding a re-organisation of security architecture in Enugu State. This entails a detailed redeployment of all security chiefs in the state.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to open up an inquiry into kidnap incidents recorded on that road. These allegations are too heavy and should not be swept under the carpet.

They are not too different from the experience of the then Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Samuel Kanu-Uche, who was abducted in Abia State. We have the feeling that the same gang just relocated to Enugu State.

“We also demand the immediate rescue of all the hostages. The imported crime is nothing but a calculated attempt to destabilise Enugu State. This is why we call on Ndi Enugu to rise, irrespective of political affiliation and say no to this evil plot. (The Guardian: Text, excluding headline)

Update news