Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have foiled the attempted abduction of a foreigner by armed hoodlums, suspected to be members of a secessionist group.

This was revealed in a statement by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Monday.

Ikenga disclosed that the incident occurred in the Ogbunka community in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State on Sunday.

He said the victim was rescued after police engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle that lasted several minutes.

He added that two police officers, who sustained bullet wounds during the incident, are currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

He said, ?In the morning of 6/10/2024, police operatives foiled the abduction of a foreigner by suspected armed secessionist members in Ogbunka village.

?The operatives courageously engaged the hoodlums in a gun battle and rescued the VIP. Unfortunately, during the gun duel, two police officers were injured by gunfire. They are in a stable condition and are currently receiving treatment in hospital.

?Meanwhile, operations are ongoing in the area to apprehend the armed men.?

Ikenga added that in a related development, police operatives attached to Nimo Police Station responded to a distress call at about 8:25 pm on Sunday regarding a suspected cult clash at Umuka, Nawfia, in Njikoka LGA of the state.

He said, ?The operatives, upon arriving at the scene, found four lifeless bodies of young men in a pool of blood with suspected multiple gunshot wounds lying on the road. The victims were confirmed dead by a doctor on duty and have been deposited at the morgue.

?They were later identified as Ebuka Nwaonkwube Ekenta of Mmimi village, Nawfia, Nnatuanya Junior a.k.a. Starboy of Mmimi village, Nawfia, Aniemena a.k.a. Osama of Umuariam village, and Ahmed Auwal.

?Information from eyewitnesses and some villagers revealed that the victims were known for their nefarious activities and were constantly in rivalry with another cult group in the area. Furthermore, joint patrols with operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad have been intensified in the area.?

Ikenga also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, has ordered an immediate investigation into the gruesome murder of a 17-year-old girl, suspected to have been used for ritual purposes.

According to him, the girl?s lifeless body was found in a bush at Omasi village on Sunday at about 4:25 pm and was later identified as Chinasa Adigwe from Umueje village, with her private parts cut off before the police were alerted.

?The body has been recovered and deposited in a morgue.

?The CP, while condoling with the family, friends, and community of the deceased, stated that the police will do everything possible to ensure that those behind the barbaric act are arrested and brought to justice.

?Further developments will be communicated,? Ikenga added. (The PUNCH)

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