| Some kidnappers who were fleeing Abia State, following pressure put on them by the joint military task force, were shot dead as they tried to cross over to Eberi Omuma in Rivers State, Awa Udonsi, Special Adviser to the Abia State governor on security, has said.
Mr Udonsi also said a good number of the suspected kidnappers have been arrested since the onslaught on the hoodlums began last week. He said those arrested have been handed over to the police for prosecution, while many are now fleeing the state. Speaking while receiving the keys to 30 vehicles given to the police and the army by the state government, Mr Udonsi said the security situation in the state has improved, especially in Aba, as the city is now calm,. “The Ukwa West, Ugwunagbo and Osisioma areas where kidnapping is endemic, have been locked up by the military,” he said. Banks have opened for business after they were locked up last week. Retail markets and shops have also all opened for business. Residents’ confidence There is also noticeable increase in the number of posh cars on the roads. These had disappeared from the streets of Aba as their owners became targets of kidnappers, an indication that residents’ confidence in the ability of the military to provide security, has increased. Mr Udonsi assured that in no distant time, the entire Aba zone would be cleared of all forms of criminality. “The GOC, 82 Division, Enugu, who is the leader of the military team, is on the trail of the kidnapping kingpins and has established links with Interpol should they escape from the country,” he said. He also revealed that there are over 1000 soldiers in the state, assigned to forestall kidnapping. “All the entry and exit points have been blocked, so there is no escape route for kidnappers in the state,” he said. |
Oct132010