by Zara Mustapha

The in the fight against kidnapping in Abia state, the state Police Command said it had raided a compound at Obingwa Local Government Area used by hoodlums as “training school for kidnappers.”

According to the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Ibrahim, briefing pressmen in Umuahia said  37 suspects where arrested by his men during the raid.

Ibrahim said the arrest came after a tip off that some hoodlums were using the compound located at  Umuoke Village near Bible College Road, as a training ground for kidnappers.

Daily Independent reports:

The police boss assured that security agencies had since stepped up surveillance in the state to ensure safety of lives and property, assuring residents of their safety.

Paraded also was a suspected kidnapper, who, in connivance with other fleeing members of his gang, abducted one Ikechukwu Chiedogo.

According to the police, following a distress call by the wife of the victim, Ogechukwu Chiedogo, over the abduction of her husband from their compound, a chase was given to the fleeing kidnappers by the anti-terror squad of the police.

He said as his men were closing in on the kidnappers, the criminals opened fire on them, but two of the abductors fell in the ensuing gun duel.

One of the gunmen was later arrested while efforts were on top gear to round up other fleeing members of the gang, according to police source, which added that one AK 47 rifle with two empty magazines were recovered.

Similarly, the CP said his men received a distress call on June 23 that one Okechukwu Ovimpam was kidnapped by Ifeanyi Eluaga and Abuchi Ohaeri, following which a team of policemen was dispatched to rescue the victim.

Consequently, a deserted compound at Eluama Isuikwuato, where the criminals fled to, was raided by the police as the kidnappers turned violent.

One of the suspects, Eluaga, was hit by a bullet and was subsequently arrested, while others escaped with bullet wounds. The victim, according to police, was also rescued and reunited with his family.