By Gloria Afajagbe
Security operatives in Anambra State have killed four suspected kidnappers who specialise in terrorising motorists and residents along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani Road in the state.
The state Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, confirmed the development in a statement.
According to him, the operation was carried out by the Vigilante Group in collaboration with operatives of the state police command, following a charge by the governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo.
Aburime noted that the governor had warned criminals to desist from crime or meet their waterloo from the security forces who have taken over the state to protect and safeguard the citizens.
The statement reads, “The gang of kidnappers who had hitherto terrorised innocent citizens along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani axis paid dearly with their lives when security forces acting on intelligence report swooped on the areas and after an intense gun battle effectively dispatched four of the deadly criminals to the great beyond and also made some arrests.
“It will be recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has repeatedly warned that there is no space for any criminalities in Anambra State. Hence zero tolerance has been declared by the governor on any form of criminal activities in the state.
“It will also be recalled that the governor on the assumption of office within a short period of time successfully reduced kidnapping and other criminalities in the state to the barest minimum.
“Based on this success, Governor Soludo has received continuous commendations from Ndi Anambra for reclaiming the state from the firm grip of deadly criminals who have now turned criminalities into a profitable enterprise.”
He added that those arrested are currently in detention and are helping the security agencies in their investigation to unravel the whereabouts of other kidnappers who are on the run.
Some items were recovered from the suspects, including weapons, charms and a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle.
