By Karen James
In a remarkable operation, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) has succeeded in apprehending a group of Fulani herdsmen kidnappers who have been targeting individuals in secluded areas of Anambra State. The arrested kidnappers, numbering two, were captured in Amanuke, Awka North Local Government Area, after executing an ambush and abduction of land buyers who had gone to inspect a property in Mgbakwu.
The incident came to public attention through videos circulating on social media, depicting the arrested herdsmen and the recovery of two firearms. The footage sheds light on the peril faced by the victims, who were not only kidnapped but also robbed of their belongings, including mobile phones and an undisclosed amount of money. The intervention of the ESN operatives, however, proved to be their salvation, rescuing them from their captors and ensuring their safe return.
Narrating the harrowing experience, one of the victims, Mr. Patrick Nwankwo from Enugu State, explained that they had ventured into the thick bush to survey a land they were interested in purchasing. As they were returning to finalize the transaction at the landowner’s residence, their peaceful endeavor was abruptly disrupted by the sudden emergence of armed herdsmen from the bushes, who began firing indiscriminately. In their desperate attempt to escape, the victims reversed their cars, only to be pursued by the kidnappers, who eventually captured and led them into the deep recesses of the Amanuke bush.
Mr. Paul Ezeanyika, an aged man another victim of the same operation, shared his chilling account of hitting his head on the ground while attempting to flee. Cornered by one of the kidnappers, he faced a grim ultimatum: surrender or face immediately.
“According to him, I began to plead with him. I begged and begged and begged, until he then ordered me to come out from where I was and join others. And they told us to lie down and face the ground,” Ezeanyika recounted.
He also disclosed that the herdsmen robbed them of their belongings, collected his phone, an undisclosed amount of money he kept inside the car, and even wanted to collect the box of his spectacles, only to see that there was nothing inside it.
Another victim of the same kidnap operation who was also rescued by the ESN also affirmed all the narratives of other victims as true.
When interrogated by the security operatives, the Fulani herdsmen kidnappers, Musa Ibrahim, and Umaru, confessed to the crime and claimed that it was their first time in the kidnapping business.
However, contrary to their earlier claims during their confession, they also made a shocking revelation that they were being sponsored by a very influential man in Awka, whom they said provides guns and bullets for them and sends them on operations.
The duo further identified their gang leader as Ali, whom, they said, led that operation, but is still currently on the run.
The video also shows a deserted hideout/residence of the Fulani herdsmen, located inside bush as was visited the security operatives.
A masculine voice accompanying the video also explained that some of the residents have fled, while only a girl (suspected to be one of their wives) and a cow was seen within the compound.
With all efforts reaching, to get the reactions of the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, on the incident proved abortive, as he was yet to respond to the video and messages of inquiry sent to him.
VIDEO……
