– As Group Uncovers Decomposing Corpses Of Victims
Residents of Obinze, Avu, Ihiagwa and adjoining communities in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State have cried out over the nefarious activities of kidnappers who they suspect to be Fulani herdsmen working hand in gloves with security operatives who allegedly shield and supply them arms.
A prominent indigene of Obinze who does not want his name in print for obvious reasons, while narrating his ordeal, said, he was on his way from Owerri, with a friend who he wanted to show a piece of land at Avu, when they were suddenly accosted and blindfolded by gun wielding men who looked every inch like Fulanis who took them to an unknown destination.
“But because I understand the Hausa language, I noted that they were communicating with a top security personnel who they told our discussion with them and how much we were willing to pay. I also over heard the security personnel telling them that if we were not ready to pay #2m, they should kill us, take our phones and dump our bodies in the bush”.
The victim also stated that it has become very clear that kidnappers hang around in the bushes in those places on daily basis waiting for who to kidnap, while the soldiers at the Obinze military barracks and other security operatives who live in the nearby communities are unable to checkmate and curtail their activities.
“It is obvious that the kidnappers terrorizing the people in the areas mentioned, do not operate outside Obinze, Ihiagwa, Avu, etc, where they keep their victims while waiting for ransom”.
There was also the case of a January crossover night church service bound, Nzubechi Mbajunwa, was on Wednesday night kidnapped by suspected Fulani herdsmen operating at the dreaded area of Avu and Ihiagwa forest in the Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The victim’s father, Reginald, an Owerri based journalist, narrated the development to journalists in the state capital on Thursday.
He said, his son was abducted and taken into the forest and a N5m ransom immediately placed on him.
The journalist disclosed that his son’s abductors called him and asked him to provide N5m before they could release him.
In an earlier update he said “my son Nzubechi Chiekezi -Mbajunwa has just been kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen and they are demanding for 5 million naira between now and 11 am tomorrow (today).”
Giving further update he added “my son was going for a crossover night.
“They were taking him to Nekede where they kill people and harvest their organs if you don’t pay the ransom on time.
God manifested his powers in a mysterious way. Empowered my son who now fought the kidnappers and over powered them.
“He tore their shirts and ran to Mangero water company where the police security their rescued him. My son gave him my wife’s phone number and he informed my wife that my son is now with him. My wife called me and I quickly mobilized Obinze vigilante officers who accompanied me to Mangero water company and picked my son Nzubechi.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye said” The CP and his management team will be having a stake holders security meeting with the community and youth leaders of Avu, Ihiagwa, Nekede, Obinze and other neighbouring communities. All this issues will be addressed today.
“The Police will certainly succeed and win the fight against criminality in the State if we encourage the general public to support the police by provision of actionable intelligence and information”.
Meanwhile, a group known as Imo State Hunters Association, recently uncovered a place very close to the gate of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, where about seven decomposing corpses were abandoned in the bush by their killers.
In a video clip that is trending online, the association said, since the security operatives have been unable to checkmate the activities of kidnappers, they will not fold their hands and watch while such havoc is being unleashed on the people. Hence, they have decided fill the gap by defending and protecting the people.
