Ibekimi Oriamaja Reports
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, has called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wave of kidnappings along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road.
Track News reported that commuters were attacked on the road in a series of attacks, leading to the kidnapping of some students from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, and some high-profile politicians in the state.
There are allegations, however, that the kidnappers have some insiders in security agencies.
According to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, information obtained from one of the victims reveals a chain of communication between the hoodlums and security operatives stationed at various checkpoints along the road.
Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, National President of the Ohanaeze Youths, told journalists in a statement on Saturday that all security personnel on duty at the time of the incidents should be investigated.
Okwu described the development as the importation of insecurity into Enugu State in order to undermine the state’s peaceful status, adding that a victim of the kidnapping incident told him that “the police and the army are complicit in the act of kidnapping at the Opi-Ugwuogo axis.” That the police at checkpoints usually choose expensive cars carrying people who appear to have financial clout. The police will stop all such vehicles and order them to move immediately, and as soon as they do, a gunshot will be fired, alerting the kidnappers to come out.
“It is clear from conversations between the kidnappers and some of the victims that some of the kidnappers are serving soldiers.”
“That the kidnappers are armed with AK-49s and Beretta pistols.”
“That whenever soldiers came to the camp to drop food and arms, they would blindfold the victims’ eyes.”
“Inquiries have also revealed that some top security personnel are complicit in this development.”
“That the majority of the soldiers involved are from Umuahia, Abia State.”
“That the kidnappers, who spoke pure Fulani, kept boasting and claiming that there was no need to involve the police because they had high-ranking army and police officers on their side.”
In response to these allegations, he stated, “we, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths, are demanding a reorganization of Enugu State’s security architecture.” This necessitates a thorough redeployment of all security chiefs in the state.
“We urge the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to launch an investigation into the kidnapping incidents reported along that road.” These are serious allegations that should not be dismissed. They are similar to the ordeal of the then Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Samuel Kanu-Uche, who was kidnapped in Abia State. We believe the same gang has recently relocated to Enugu State.
“We also demand that all hostages be released immediately.”
“Imported crime is nothing more than a calculated effort to destabilize Enugu State.” This is why, regardless of political affiliation, we call on Ndi Enugu to rise up and say no to this evil plot.
“Enugu is still the only peaceful state in the South-East, and that is the record they want to smudge.” “We implore Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi not to be intimidated, but to stand firm,” Okwu said.
