Eight suspected kidnappers who allegedly killed a staff of the Independent National electoral commission (INEC), Late Emmanuel Igwe, along Ishiagu-Mpu road last Sunday have been arrested.
Three members of the kidnapping gang,which has been allegedly terrorising the border towns of Ebonyi, Abia and Enugu States, were killed during the operation, the Police said on Sunday.
The suspected kidnappers, who abducted the wife of the victim, late Igwe, also slaughtered the father of Ohaneze Youth Chieftain, Ajah Okafor in his farmland.
The council chairman of Ivo local government area of Ebonyi State, Mr. Emmanuel Ajah confirmed the arrest.
He said that the wife of late Igwe has been rescued unhurt after payment of ransom to the kidnappers.
He noted that the kidnappers were tracked to their hideouts where they were apprehended through the joint efforts of the security agencies and the council’s vigilante team.
He said the kidnappers are a mixture of herdsmen and some boys from Lonkpanta community.
He noted that they were tracked down to their hideout after collecting the ransom.
“We didn’t sleep since that incident happened, the kidnappers demanded ransom and we gave it to them.
“We tracked them to their hideout, through the joint efforts of the security agencies and my men. we have apprehended eight (8) of them and we are still searching for the remaining two, who are the major kingpins,” he said.
Ajah alleged that the arrested gang are responsible for the various kidnapping incidents taking place in the council area.
He vowed to mobilise security operatives to raid their hideout so as to forestall further occurrences.
Police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, also confirmed the killing of the three suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the woman.
She said:”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.
“Investigation is still ongoing to fish out everyone in connection with the crime.”
