Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has demanded a thorough probe into the reasons surrounding the recent wave of kidnapping cases along the Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road.
According to a report by Anaedoonline.ng, commuters have been attacked repeatedly on the road, which has resulted in the kidnapping of certain University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, students and prominent State lawmakers.
There are, however, claims that the kidnappers have connections in the security services.
BREAKING: Kidnappers Block Enugu–Opi–Nsukka Road
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide claims that information gleaned from one of the victims reveals a communication channel between the criminals and the security personnel manning numerous checkpoints along the route.
In a statement to the media on Saturday, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, the national president of the Ohanaeze Youths, recommended an investigation into all security personnel present when the incidences occurred.
Okwu said a victim of the kidnapping event testified that “the police and the army are complicit in the act of kidnapping at the Opi-Ugwuogo axis.” He described the development as the importation of insecurity into Enugu State in an effort to undermine its peaceful reputation. That frequently at checkpoints, police pick posh automobiles carrying people who seem to have money to drive. The police will stop all of these vehicles and order them to move immediately. As soon as they do, the police will fire a gunshot to signal the kidnappers to emerge.
“That from the discussions between the kidnappers and some of the victims, it is clear that some of the kidnappers are serving soldiers.
UPDATE: Former Enugu SSG, Others Kidnapped By Gunmen
“That the kidnappers are using AK-49 and berreta pistols.
“That whenever the soldiers are coming to the camp to drop food and arms, they would blindfold the eyes of the victims.
“That investigations have also revealed that some top security men are complicit in this development.
“That most of the soldiers involved are imported into the State from Umuahia, Abia State.
“That the kidnappers, who were speaking pure Fulani, kept boasting and claiming that there was no need involving the police as they had backings from high ranking army and police officers.”
He said consequent upon these allegations, “we, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths are demanding a re-organization of security architecture in Enugu State. This entails a detailed redeployment of all security chiefs in the State.
ENUGU: Police Launch Manhunt For UNN Students’ Kidnappers
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to open up an inquiry into the kidnap incidents recorded at 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 destabilize Enugu State. This is why we call on Ndi Enugu to rise up, irrespective of political affiliation, and say no to this evil plot.
“Enugu remains the only peaceful State in the South-East and that is the record they want to dent. We urge Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi not to be intimidated but to stand firm,” Okwu declared.
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