The Imo state Police Command on Thursday said it has freed the kidnapped immediate past chairman of the Imo state traditional rulers council, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri who was abducted by unidentified gunmen 6 January, 2024.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Henry Okoye, revealed this to Journalists in Owerri, Imo state capital.
He said the rescue of Eze Ohiri, was successful because of the partnership with the sister security agencies in the state.
Okoye added that the security agencies took the battle to the camp of the kidnappers in the forest, overpowered the kidnappers and rescued the victim.
According to the Police, “the Command has been working assiduously in synergy with other security agencies towards ensuring that Eze Ohiri, is released and some arrests have been made.”
“To the glory of God he has been released, after a hot chase of the kidnappers at the forest by operatives of the Command’s Anti kidnapping unit. The Command will continue to work towards stamping out all forms of violent crimes in the State,” he said.
On how the Ohiri’s incident occurred, an eyewitness had said shortly: “This Saturday morning, Ohiri and his brother from the United state, decided to drive out in their car in the spirit of the Christmas celebration to visit some of their friends. After their visit they returned back.
“As they arrived at Ohiri’s compound; They packed their vehicle, at one side of the compound, and as they both were having the final discussion before they could say bye to each other. A highlander vehicle filled with armed gunmen double crossed them and shot sporadically. They dragged the both of them into the vehicle and drove away. They drove toward the Njaba to Orlu road.” However, he added: “The Ohiri’s brother was said to have escaped.”
