The Ebonyi State Police Command has rescued the wife of the late Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), staff Mr Emmanuel Igwe.
The deceased was an Assistant Electoral Officer of INEC in Afikpo North local government area of the state.
Mr Igwe was killed on June 18, 2023, when gunmen attacked him and his wife at Ishiagu in Ivo local government area of the state. After killing Igwe, the assailants abducted his wife.
According to reports, the police also arrested no fewer than eight members of the criminal gang after storming the hideout where three members of the gang were reportedly killed.
Hon. Emmanuel Aja, Chairman of Ivo Local Government Area, confirmed the arrest and killing of three of the suspects to newsmen.
He applauded the Nigeria Police Force for their courage and gallantry.
Aja said, “The successful operation of the Special Squad of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Ebonyi Command of the Nigeria Police, led to the arrest of no fewer than eight suspected killers of the INEC staff while three of the suspects were neutralized.
“The killers, suspected to be kidnappers who also abducted their victim’s wife, were arrested at their hideout in a forest at Lokpanta in Abia state on June 24.
“The suspected kidnappers are allegedly responsible for the various kidnappings and other criminal activities in the council area,” Aja stated.
The chairman, who expressed his administration’s commitment to rid the LGA of crimes, called on the people of the area to always report useful information to the police.
“Security is everyone’s business, when you see something, say something because, in that way, we will be several steps ahead of the criminals,” he said.
Also, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebonyi Command, SP. Onome Onovwakpoyeya who also confirmed the development, said the abducted woman was rescued unhurt in a thick forest.
“Yes, the woman, Mrs Charity Igwe, who was kidnapped while her husband was killed has regained freedom.
“She was rescued in a forest at Lonkpanta community in Abia state and she is receiving medical treatment in a hospital,” she asserted.
