- In recent time, there has been rising incident of kidnappings in Anambra state
- Obi, Fr. Muonso, others express worries, urge state government to rise to her responsibilities
- Anambra announces new measures to combat crimes in the state, assures residents of safer environment
For over dozens of months now, Anambra state residents are said to be sleeping with one eye opened. This is as a result of increasing incidents of kidnapping, killing and other criminal activities in the state.
On Tuesday, January 7, 2025 gunmen reportedly abducted two Catholic nuns along Ufuma road in Orumba North Local government area of Anambra state.
The sisters, identified as Vincentia Nwankwo and Grace Okoli, were said to have been kidnapped on Tuesday while returning from their vocational association’s meeting at Ogboji community.
A statement on Wednesday by the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the nuns’ congregation, prayed for their safe release.
The statement said Nwankwo is the principal of Archbishop Charles Heerey Memorial Model Secondary School, Ufuma, while Okoli is a teacher at Immaculata Girls Model Secondary School, Nnewi.
“With sadness, we write to inform the general public of the kidnapping of our two sisters, Vincentia Maria Nwankwo and Grace Mariette Okoli, yesterday evening, Tuesday, 7 January 2025,” the statement reads.
“We commit our sisters Vincentia Maria and Grace Mariette to the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary for their speedy release from the hands of their kidnappers.
“We solicit your fervent prayers and supplications to God that they may be released as soon as possible and come back to us safe and sound. Pray also that they may be released unconditionally.”
Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, said efforts are ongoing by the command to ensure the safe return of the nuns.
“Police-led joint operation is already ongoing for the possible rescue of two Catholic nuns allegedly kidnapped along Ufuma Road, Orumba north local government,” Ikenga said.
Nnaghe Itam, the commissioner of police in the state, who visited the scene of the incident, also said the command is working with some clues for the rescue of the victims and arrest of the suspects.
WITHIN NIGERIA equally gathered that on July 26, 2024, fourteen suspects, aged between 18 and 36 years, were arrested by the anti-crime squad of the Anambra Police Command in connection with kidnapping, murder, and cult activities within two weeks in the state.
Among them are Emeka Okolo, aged 29, from Ihiala LGA; Uchenna John, aged 21, from Ebonyi State; and Victor Iniukpong, aged 31, from Akwa Ibom State.
They were arrested in connection with the killing of a petrol station attendant in Nimo, Njikoka LGA. After the murder, they kidnapped the attendant’s boss, Mr. Abuchi Madueke, and stole his 330 Lexus Jeep.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, who paraded the suspects on Friday at a conference he organised for heads of police divisions in Nibo, Awka-South LGA, stated that the suspects were arrested in the 33 Onitsha area two days later while attempting to disable the tracker on another victim, Chukwujindu Obinna, from St. Charles Catholic Church in the area.
CP Itam also paraded three other suspects in kidnapping and murder cases: Nnatu Chiedozie, aged 43, a native of Enugwu-Ukwu, Njikoka LGA; Onyeka Okoye, aged 22, from Uruagu-Mbaukwu, Awka-South LGA; and Ndubuisi Emmanuel Abate, from Ayamelum LGA.
They were arrested in connection with the kidnapping of Architect Sunday Etimbuk and Goodness Friday at Odume Obosi about a week ago.
Additionally, four other suspects—Emeka Okafor and Chidubem Ejiofor, both aged 18; Chigwo Nwankwo, aged 20; and Chijioke Onyibo, aged 18—were arrested as members of a cult group terrorizing Awka.
CP Itam further paraded Chigbogu Favour, aged 33, from Ihiala LGA, and Mbanefo Udeze from Oraifite, Ekwusigo LGA. They were involved in kidnapping operations in Anambra State, operating from nearby Asaba, Delta State, where they had their hideout.
Two other suspects—Chigaemezu Okafor (alias “England”), aged 26, from Mbano in Imo State, who confessed to several kidnapping incidents in Anambra State but had his hideout in Asaba, Delta State, and Uchenna Nwaiwu, aged 20, a native of Ngor Okpala, Imo State, who confessed to being the gang’s armorer—were also arrested.
CP Itam stated that while one pump-action gun was recovered from the suspected cultists terrorizing Awka, four other pump-action guns and one double-barrel gun were recovered from the kidnap suspects who used Asaba as their hideout.
As the situation continued to degenerate, on September 10, 2024, the state watched with horror as a video was circulating on social media, showing the lifeless body of a businessman in the gutter, with passersby gathering to observe the scene.
It was gathered that the victim which was later identified as Sunny Taxman, a businessman from Enugu State, has been murdered by suspected kidnappers after his family paid a ransom of N10 million.
Taxman, who was based in Onitsha, Anambra State, was kidnapped three weeks ago while inside his vehicle by unidentified assailants.
Although details of the incident were unclear, sources confirm that the kidnappers dumped his body in a dry gutter at the boundary of Nkwelle Uke, near RCC in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the tragic incident sparked outrage and concern about the safety and security of individuals in the region.
A family source reportedly confirmed to journalists that a N10 million ransom was paid to his abductors before his lifeless body was found.
“They might have killed him after he recognised one of them so as not to get exposed.
“They kidnapped him on his way to a function three weeks ago and demanded a ransom. The sum of N10million was paid to the kidnappers. Still, they killed him. So sad,” the source lamented.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command couldn’t release any official comment on the unfortunate incident.
Again, on November 4, 2024, some assailants reportedly abducted a middle-aged man, suspected to be a businessman in the Alor community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
It was gathered that the incident happened late on Sunday while the victim was driving home from a function.
Sources in the area said the gunmen whisked their victim away after double-crossing his vehicle opposite Ezeani Primary School in the Alor community.
One of the sources who does not want to be named due to the sensitivity of the incident said, “The incident occurred at about 6:47 pm yesterday (Sunday). The man was driving in his car, a Toyota Corolla with the plate number: EKY-102GK, before the hoodlums double-crossed him opposite Ezeani Primary School.
“The suspected kidnappers shattered the windscreens of his car, smashed his head with the boot of their gun bundled him into the booth of their car and whisked him away.
“Although we could not recognise his face as blood had covered it when the assailants forced him out of his vehicle, we suspect he is a businessman and a member of this community.”
“The victim’s car was abandoned with blood stains all over it. It was like a commando film as residents around the vicinity ran into hiding and were watching what was happening from their hiding places.”
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said an investigation is ongoing.
Ikenga said, “The Command has started investigation of a reported abandoned, but recovered vehicle in Alor Community, Idemili South LG.
“Preliminary information revealed that the victim was abducted by yet unidentified persons.
“Meanwhile, the operatives are working with the persons in the area for possible rescue of the victim and arrest of the suspects.”
By and large, on November 27, 2024 the state Police Command and the security Joint Task Force (JTF) said they have launched a rescue operation for the three persons abducted within the week, following a reported abduction at the Innoson showroom, in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday in Onitsha, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident, said that the victims were kidnapped in the evening at the Innoson motorcycle showroom on Owerri Road in Nnewi.
He said that the command had initiated operation for their rescue and had visited the scene of the incident and obtained useful information to assist the investigation.
He urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to come forward to the command’s headquarters, Awka, or the nearest police station.
The command’s spokesman also said that persons with information on the abduction could call the toll free emergency number 112 or 07039194332.
Few days to the yuletide on December 12, 2024, at least four people were killed when unidentified gunmen invaded Ifite-Awka in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The assailants reportedly targeted multiple locations, including Book Foundation Junction, Ukwu Aki Bus Stop, “B” Bus Stop, Commissioners’ Quarters, and the Bamboo area, firing shots and causing widespread panic. Residents fled to their homes, while traders hurriedly shut their shops, many of which remain closed.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen killed three people at Book Foundation Junction and Ukwu Aki Bus Stop and kidnapped the manager of a popular hotel in Commissioners’ Quarters. His whereabouts remain unknown, with reports suggesting the kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₦12 million, reduced from an initial ₦20 million.
A witness, Chibuike, said, “This December is becoming very bloody. May God have mercy. Everyone should be cautious about their movements.”
Efforts to reach hotel staff yielded no details, as they declined to comment.
Police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga urged families of victims to report the incidents, stating, “If you know the relatives of these victims, let them come forward, please.”
Obi, Fr. Ebube Muonso react to the kidnapping
Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, Peter Obi has lamented the high rate of crime, especially kidnapping, in the country, saying that the situation is becoming worrisome.
Obi was reacting to recent cases of killings and kidnapping, including the abduction of two Catholic reverend sisters by unknown gunmen.
It was reported that the sisters were kidnapped on Tuesday along Ufuma Road in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The former Anambra State governor, who also condemned the killing of the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, said, “no one is currently spared from the dangerous wind of many kidnappings and killings blowing through many parts of the nation”.
“Every Nigerian feels the heat of insecurity, which has continued to affect every aspect of our nation, from the agricultural sector, where farmers are often chased out of their farmlands, to the health and educational sectors, where critical workers are often kidnapped or killed.
“This is exemplified by the constant kidnapping and, sometimes, killing of our farmers, teachers and lecturers in different schools and universities.
“Just recently, the Manager of the College of Nursing Sciences, Ihiala, was killed. Yesterday, 2 Reverend Sisters, one a Principal and the other a teacher who works in our different schools in Anambra state were again kidnapped.
“These are people contributing immensely to our national development through their sacrifices in farms, educational and health facilities in different remote villages. Nothing justifies these kidnaps, and killings, as well as those of many Nigerians who suffer the same fate daily.
“This worrisome situation continues to demand urgent attention from us, the leaders. One wonders if the reported cases of kidnapping and killings are this much, then how many go unreported?
“Again, I appeal to the government to employ every security arsenal at its disposal to end this menace and ensure the safe rescue of those in captivity,” Obi added.
In the same vein the Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Fr. Ebube Muonso, recently declared that security in Anambra State has completely broken down.
Fr. Obimma made this statement while presenting Rev. Fr. Nonso to his congregation after the priest’s release from kidnappers a week after being abducted and taken into the forest by gunmen.0 / 0:00
Recall thatFr. Nonso was kidnapped on December 17 in Anambra State, shortly after returning from overseas for the Christmas holiday.
Narrating the ordeal, Fr. Obimma revealed the challenges he faced in securing the release of the abducted priest.
“For a week, Father Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers. The government could not do anything. I had to use my own resources to rescue him.”
Fr. Obimma explained that he had to reach out to security operatives outside Anambra to track the kidnappers.
“I approached a state outside Anambra and begged them to use their tracker. They tracked him and sent me the full location. When I gave this information to the local security operatives, they asked me, ‘What do you want us to do with it?’ They claimed they don’t usually go into forests.”
Determined to secure Fr. Nonso’s release, Fr. Obimma recounted how he assembled his own team for a rescue operation:
“I told the Chief Security of Adoration to assemble men with cutlasses and guns, and that I would lead the operation myself. It was only when they realized I was serious that the police agreed to intervene — but not without logistics. I had to send them N1 million.”
Fr. Obimma questioned why a state governor, who receives security votes, could not effectively secure the state.
“I called former Governor Willie Obiano and asked where the trackers he bought during his tenure were. He said they are still there. So why weren’t they being used?”
The priest expressed shock that throughout the week Fr. Nonso was held captive, the kidnappers never turned off his phone, knowing full well it could be tracked.
“They knew there was no security in the state. Despite having precise tracker data, security forces refused to act until I personally mobilized resources.”
The visibly emotional Fr. Nonso, leaning on Fr. Obimma, shed tears as he recounted his ordeal. He was rescued alongside a businessman abducted by the same gang on the same day but in a different location.
Fr. Obimma concluded: “We live in a state where individuals are funding security operations. Only God will continue to protect His people.”
Anambra state government assures on security
In any case, worried by the escalating incident of security in the state, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has reportedly secured at least 160 operational vehicles for the state’s security outfits to combat rising gunmen activities.
To kick off efforts, the state has reportedly finalized plans to train forest guards for the newly established security initiative, Operation “Udo Ga Achi,” which is set to launch this January.
State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 in Awka, assuring that no effort would be spared in addressing the state’s security challenges.
Mefor emphasized the government’s commitment to a robust, comprehensive approach to tackle insecurity, as Anambra has been grappling with gunmen attacks, which have led to daily fatalities.
The most recent tragedy saw the brutal killings of eight individuals, including two security operatives, in Ihiala, along with similar incidents across the state.
Mefor added that the forest guards will be trained and incorporated into the “Udo Ga Achi” operations, working closely with local vigilance groups to scour forests and protect residents from criminal elements.
” To address the security concerns in the Southeast and particularly Anambra, Governor Soludo’s administration is set to launch “Operation Udo Ga-Achi” (Operation Peace Shall Reign) this January.
“This comprehensive security initiative will integrate advanced surveillance technology, deploy branded vehicles for stop-and-search activities, and train forest guards to work with vigilantes and local authorities.
“Operation “Udo Ga-Achi” is designed to restore peace and stability in the Southeast, and Governor Soludo is committed to ensuring its success.
“The key components of Operation Udo Ga-Achi include: Advanced Surveillance Technology: The operation will utilise advanced surveillance technology, including drones and CCTV cameras, to monitor and track criminal activities.
” Branded Vehicles: Branded vehicles will be deployed for stop-and-search activities, ensuring that criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.
“Forest Guards: Forest guards will be trained to work with vigilantes and local authorities, ensuring that criminal activities are prevented and responded to effectively.” Mefor said
The Deputy Commander-General (Intelligence Unit) of the Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Dr. John Metchie, hailed Soludo for the idea
He stated that the forest guards working in partnership with other security agents, Anambra forests and bushes will be rescued from unknown gunmen, stressing that criminals have no hiding place anymore.
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