Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has detained three suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Onuogba Nike Forest in Enugu East local government area of Enugu State.
The commandant of NSCDC in Enugu State, Dr Elijah Willie, who disclosed this yesterday, added that the rescue operation took over eight hours and terminated by 2a.m. on June 1.
Willie said on May 31, Mr Chukwu Daniel, a butcher, was lured to Onuogba Nike Forest by the seller, Mr Isuhu, aka Shua Shua, to buy cattle from him.
He said after negotiating with the seller and agreeing on a certain price, the victim attempted to take the cattle away; but the seller called him back, claiming he was no longer interested in the transactions.
He said, “At that moment, the cattle seller withdrew into the forest, and Daniel was allegedly ambushed, attacked and abducted.
“The victim alleged that three armed men, carrying one AK-47 rifle, two pistols and machetes, emerged from the forest and attacked him.”
“The victim was consequently taken captive, given multiple machete cuts and a ransom demand made through contact with his wife.
“The victim’s wife promptly alerted the NSCDC and a patrol team responded swiftly, leading to the successful tracking, rescue of Daniel and the detention of three suspects.”
The commandant said that the suspects are currently under investigation and helping with useful information that might lead to the detention of others still at large.
Willie noted that the victim is currently recovering from the injuries sustained after being hospitalised for over a week at Colliery Hospital, Enugu as a result of matchete cuts and injuries sustained.
He urged the general public to purchase cattle and other livestock from designated cattle markets in the state and not from forests.
“Residents should also give useful information on the movement and activities of criminals within their localities to help curb their dastardly acts.
“I also wish to warn all criminals, kidnappers, vandals and hoodlums that Enugu State is no longer a haven for their operations,” he said.
According to him, criminals will ensure they face the long arm of the law if they do not heed this warning.
The commandant appreciated Gov. Peter Mbah for the support given to the Corps as well as the collaboration of sister security agencies in the state with the Corps.
