- Enugu residents raise alarm over increasing incidents of kidnapping along Ugwuogo Nike/Opi/Nsukka highway
- State Police command debunk the alarm, say it will deal with purveyors of such security news
- Kidnappers continue their illegal trade along the highway as more road users are being abducted daily
Enugu state police command has continued to come under vitriolic attacks by the citizens following lackluster attitude towards the incessant abduction of road users along Ugwuogo Nike/Opi/ Nsukka.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the attack by the citizens was intensified when the Command posted on their verified X handle, debunking kidnapping incident on Tuesday afternoon which the citizens have already raised alarm.
It was also gathered that not less than six persons were abducted on the road at the same in different time of the day.
This, our source revealed, propelled the citizens to raise security alarm on the situation of the road, alerting the command to expedite action towards making the road safe for the users.
However, in a twist of event, the command debunked the kidnapping incidents, threatening to deal with any person who raise such security concern again.
In a release by Adejobi Olumuyiwa and Daniel Ndukwe, the image makers Force Headquarters, Abuja and the state command respectively on Thursday, January 30 warned the public to stop the such security alert.
The release entitled ” The Enugu police debunk and describe viral WhatsApp kidnapping report as false and malicious” read thus;
“The Enugu State Police Command informs the public that the viral WhatsApp post alleging that “four persons were kidnapped and taken into the bush on Tuesday evening at Api-Opi, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road” is false, malicious, and clearly intended to incite fear and panic. There was no such incident recorded on the said day and time along the road.
“Furthermore, the claim that the alleged kidnappers operated for over 30 minutes unchallenged on a well-patrolled road is not only baseless but also a product of misinformation. For the avoidance of doubts, the road is heavily monitored by security forces, making such an occurrence as peddled highly improbable.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), challenges the individual behind the post to provide verifiable proof of their claims or be prepared to face the full consequences of spreading false information.
“Consequently, he has directed the Command’s intelligence and tactical units to trace and apprehend those responsible for originating and circulating the misleading report, ensuring they are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others.”
However, reacting to the release by the police, a security expert, Mazi Dozie said it is unfortunate the authorities is not taking the security situation in the state serious.
“I have decided to refrain from commenting on the issues plaguing our dear Enugu state. Unfortunately, it’s the ordinary citizens who bear the brunt of the government’s ineffectiveness and inefficiency. If only the kidnappers had the capability to target top public officials, perhaps the government would take decisive action.
“Despite our repeated suggestions on ways to address the insecurity in Ugwuogo Nike, our proposals have fallen on deaf ears. Instead, the government’s aides adopt a superficial approach, selecting the recommendations to present before the Governor and take glory. And if you complain, they come for you with their social media team.
“I remember suggesting the establishment of an operation centre. Now, they have established one totally out of what was recommended. This is the problem of not having a good understanding of the concept you have copied to implement.
“The Governor should get competent security aids that understand security risk management that will develop a comprehensive security plan to tackle this kidnapping now – before more lives are put into harms way by those heartless daredevils”.
Kidnappings continue along the highway
Narrating his ugly experience on the highway, one of the regular road users, Hyginus Ugwu explained that “I almost fall into their hand that Tuesday on my way back from Enugu.
“The bus carrying me and other passengers was halted by another bus driver that informed him that the road is not safe at that moment.
“We alighted the bus and for about 10 to 20 minutes no single car came from that direction until two (DRS) distress response squad vehicle passed with speed heading to the scenes direction. After about five minutes then cars started coming from the direction and we also continued on our journey.
“While on our way we saw the vehicle that was carrying the passengers that were kidnapped at the scene. I wonder why the police will want to bury such incident. May God help us in this country. I pray that God will help the victims so that they will regain their freedom in Jesus name.”
While the verbal attacks on the police especially on the social media continue, on Sunday, February 2, some vehicles were targeted and their occupants forcefully taken to the bush for ransom.
According to our source, Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, ” a senior citizen was the one kidnappers kidnapped two days ago inside this car.
“The Kidnappers are currently demanding 150 million naira for ransom. Can you imagine the kind of money these deadly monsters are calling? Well, it maybe an organized crime and business at the moment and that’s why it’s happening on daily basis without resistance.”
Explaining further, Ugwuanyi said ” if they can kidnap a senior citizen then all man is gone currently in Enugu State.
“Don’t pass that road unless it’s crucial, Even if its crucial don’t pass it. Find alternative. For now the road has been captured by bandits and both the police and government is like they are helpless or don’t know their primary job.”
Another resident of the state who gave his name as Chukwudi Eze told WITHIN NIGERIA that kidnappers have obviously taken over Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road. travelers are advised to avoid the road for safety.
According to Mr. Eze, “Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road has become a safe haven for kidnappers terr0rizing the peace of travelers in Enugu state for about a decade now. At least 5 kidnapping cases are recorded on this road every month despite heavy security checkpoints on the road – nearly every 200 meters.
“It’s surprising how these criminals manage to operate on this road even with the presence of different police and military checkpoints.
“Recall that former secretary to Enugu State Government, Dr. Dan Shere has been kidnapped on this road, and allegedly paid an undisclosed amount before his release.
“It’s very pathetic how Enugu State Police Command through the Force Spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe continues to deny claims of kidnappings on this road.
Just few hours after Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe denied the kidnapping of four travelers on the road, which he described as false and malicious, another alledged kidnapping incident has taken place on the road as can be seen from the video below.
“Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road is not safe for you, apply caution!!!
However, at the moment, the police has kept mum over the worsening security situation along the Ugwuogo Nike Opi Nsukka road for the past three days now.
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