Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, the former chairman of the Imo state council of traditional rulers, has been liberated from captivity after enduring a 13-day ordeal at the hands of unidentified gunmen. The confirmation of his release was provided by Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in the state, during a press briefing on Thursday.
Ohiri was forcefully taken from his residence in the Orodo community, located in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo state, on January 6. His abduction, which lasted nearly two weeks, had left the community in suspense and concern. The prominent figure had previously served as the chairman of the Imo council of traditional rulers under the tenure of Rochas Okorocha, the former governor of the state.
Addressing the media, Okoye disclosed that the monarch’s freedom was secured through the coordinated efforts of the anti-kidnapping unit of the police command. The rescue operation involved a raid on the kidnappers’ hideouts situated in a forest. During the operation, one of the abductors was successfully apprehended, while others managed to evade capture.
Prior to the rescue mission, the police had already taken one of the kidnappers into custody as part of their ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network. The captured suspect provided crucial information about the whereabouts of his accomplices, leading to the subsequent operation.
Okoye explained that upon the arrival of the police at the kidnappers’ location, a confrontation ensued, resulting in a gun battle. The law enforcement officers ultimately gained the upper hand, overpowering the criminals and securing the release of Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri.
IMAGE: The Whistler
