The Department of State Security Service, SSS, Ebonyi
Command, has arrested two alleged kidnappers of Kennedy Ogba, the former Deputy
Leader of the State Assembly.
Mr. Ogba, the brother-in-law to Sam Egwu, a former governor
of the state, was kidnapped on February 7.
The State Director of the SSS, Laasan Baba, while parading
the suspects, said Mr. Ogba was kidnapped at Nsurakpa Village in Ohaukwu Local
Government Area by three armed men.
“The kidnappers were arrested on Friday by my officers at
Ndubia Local Government Council when they came to collect the N2 million ransom
money they had demanded,” he said.
“The suspects include Chukwuemeka Nwafor, a notorious
herbalist, armed robber and kidnapper from Abaomege, Ebonyi, and Anayo Kalu
from Abia.
“When they were arrested, we found a list of high profile
persons including politicians, local government chairmen, businessmen, women,
children among others, all pencilled for kidnap this year.”
He said that the aim of the kidnappers was to cause confusion
in the state as elections were approaching.
“We have been able to uncover this plot and I believe
strongly that there would now be respite in the state,” he said.
Mr. Baba said that some members of the gang escaped during
the operation and promised that efforts would be intensified to arrest and
prosecute them.
“The two suspects in our custody sustained various degrees
of injuries during the gun battle with our officers.
“They are currently receiving treatment at the Federal
Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki,’’ the director said.
Speaking with journalists, one of the suspects, Mr. Nwafor,
denied involvement in the act. He said that he was a motorcyclist operator
going about his normal business when he was arrested.
Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the hoodlums, Mr. Ogba
said he was blindfolded and kept in a shrine all through his captivity.
“I thank God for my release and commend the SSS for their
gallantry,’’ he said.
(NAN)
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