Police Intensify Hunt for Kidnappers Who Abducted Three at Innoson Showroom in Nnewi
The Anambra State Police Command has initiated a manhunt for the unidentified gunmen responsible for the abduction of three individuals at the Innoson Motorcycle Showroom located along Owerri Road in Nnewi, within the Nnewi North Local Government Area.
The incident took place late on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at around 6:45 p.m. While the identities of the victims remain unclear, the police have confirmed the abduction. Tochukwu Ikenga, the Police Public Relations Officer, issued a statement on Wednesday, announcing that joint security forces were actively working to locate and rescue the victims, as well as apprehend the kidnappers.
Ikenga stated, “Our Joint Security Forces are taking decisive action to ensure the safe return of the three victims and to capture the criminals involved in the abduction. We are leveraging information gathered from the scene as part of our ongoing rescue operations.”
The police also called on the public to assist in the investigation by providing any relevant information. “We encourage anyone with useful details to contact the Anambra Police Command headquarters in Awka or their nearest police station. You can also reach us on the emergency numbers 112 or 07039194332 for a quick response.”
In a separate case, the Anambra State Police Command reported the rescue of two young female kidnap victims and the arrest of four suspects. The operation was carried out by officers from the Oba Police Divisional Headquarters in Idemili South Local Government Area on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, after a ransom of N200,000 was paid for the victims’ release.
Ikenga explained, “At approximately 11:54 a.m., police operatives arrested a notorious kidnapper, Ifechukwu Ibezimako, 19, along with three accomplices, following the payment of N200,000 in ransom. The victims, aged between 15 and 19, were freed in the Oba area.”
The investigation revealed that the suspects had lured their victims through social media, pretending to form friendships, before holding them hostage and demanding ransom from their families. The arrest of Ibezimako and his accomplices uncovered further criminal activities, including the case of another female victim who had previously paid a ransom for her release.
The Commissioner of Police, Nnaghe Obono Itam, urged young people to be cautious about their online interactions, particularly on social media. He also directed that the suspects be transferred to the anti-kidnapping and robbery squad for further investigation.
