By Tony Adibe
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and subsequently detained three suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Onuogba Nike Forest in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Making the disclosure on Wednesday in Enugu, during a media briefing, the Commandant of NSCDC Enugu State Command, Dr Elijah Willie, said that the rescue operation took over eight hours and terminated by 2:00 a.m. on June 1.
According to Willie, on May 31, Mr Chukwu Daniel, a butcher, was lured to the Onuogba Nike Forest by the seller, Mr Isuhu, aka Shua Shua, to purchase cattle from him. He said that after negotiating with the seller and agreeing on a certain price, the victim attempted to take the cattle away; but the seller called him back, claiming he was no longer interested in selling.
Willie said:Â “At that moment, the cattle withdrew into the forest, and Daniel was allegedly ambushed, attacked, and abducted. The victim alleged that three armed men, carrying an AK-47 rifle, two pistols, and machetes, emerged from the forest and attacked him.
“The victim was consequently taken captive, given multiple machete cuts, and a ransom demand was made through contact with his wife. “The victim’s wife promptly alerted the NSCDC, and a patrol team responded swiftly, leading to the successful tracking, rescue of Daniel, and the detention of three suspects.”
The commandant said that the suspects are currently under investigation and helping with useful information that might lead to the detention of others still at large. Willie further said that the victim is currently recovering from the injuries sustained after being hospitalised for over a week at Colliery Hospital, Enugu, as a result of machete cuts and injuries sustained.
He urged the general public to purchase cattle and other livestock from designated cattle markets in the state and not from forests.
He said: “Residents should also give useful information on the movement and activities of criminals within their localities to help curb their dastardly acts.
“I also wish to warn all criminals, kidnappers, vandals, and hoodlums that Enugu State is no longer a safe haven for their operations.” Criminals will ensure they face the long arm of the law if they do not heed this warning, according to him.
Willie appreciated Governor Peter Mbah for the support given to the Corps as well as the collaboration of other security agencies in the state with the Corps.
