Security Operatives Kill Sit-At-Home Enforcers in Enugu

Catholic priest, six others kidnapped

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

A joint security team, comprising Police operatives of the Enugu State Command, NPF Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army Enugu have killed three criminals suspected to be enforcers of the sit-at-home in Enugu.

In a statement yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Police Command, Daniel Ndukwe,  said that the operatives, acting on credible intelligence on September 18, busted a criminal hideout belonging to the Indigenous People of  Biafra (IPOB) in Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area, while they were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

He said that three  of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the joint team upon sighting them, were neutralised, while several others escaped with severe degrees of gunshot wounds in the ensuing gunfight.

“Among the items recovered were three pump-action guns, 10  machetes, and other incriminating exhibits while an intense manhunt for those on the run is ongoing,” the PRO said.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Kanayo Uzuegbu,  while commending the joint team, has also  reassured the security and safety of citizens as they go about their lawful businesses in the state.

He reiterated the avowed commitment of the police and other security forces to sustain the onslaught against unrepentant violent criminals operating under any guise while also calling on residents to remain law-abiding and continue to provide the Police with actionable security information and intelligence.

Meanwhile, seven travellers , including a Catholic Priest identified as Rev father M. Okide of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu and six other travellers, have reportedly been kidnapped in Enugu.

The incident occurred between 4.30 pm and 5pm along Eke-Affa-Egede Road in Udi Local Government Area of the State.

The kidnappers have reportedly  made telephone contacts with relatives of the victims demanding N100 million as ransom before the Catholic Priest and other captives could be released.

The kidnappers had reportedly left children of the victims inside their car crying helplessly before police operatives arrived at the scene to evacuate them.