Four alleged kidnappers who were known to terrorize drivers and people along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani Road in Anambra State were slain by security personnel.
Following a complaint from the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra Vigilante Group is reported to have conducted the operation against the criminal gang on Sunday in cooperation with the police.
According to a press release issued by Christian Aburime, the press secretary for the state governor, on Tuesday in Awka.
According to Aburime, the governor also issued a warning to criminals operating in that axis to stop or prepare for their demise at the hands of the security forces who have assumed control of the axis to defend and preserve the inhabitants.
“The kidnapping gang that had previously terrorized innocent citizens along the Nkpor-Umuoji-Ideani axis paid dearly with their lives when security forces acting on intelligence reports swooped on the areas and after a fierce gun battle effectively dispatched four of the deadly criminals to the great beyond and also made some arrests,” read the statement.
“It will be recalled that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has repeatedly warned that there is no space for any criminalities in Anambra State. Hence zero tolerance has been declared by the governor on any form of criminal activities in the state.
“It will also be recalled that the governor on the assumption of office within a short period of time successfully reduced kidnapping and other criminalities in the state to the barest minimum.
“Based on this success, Governor Soludo has received continuous commendations from Ndi Anambra for reclaiming the state from the firm grip of deadly criminals who have now turned criminalities into a profitable enterprise.”
The security personnel also found a Lexus Sports Utility Vehicle, some cutting-edge firearms, and charms tied around the kidnappers’ waists, according to Aburime, who continued.
He also revealed that those who had been detained were currently cooling off while assisting the security services’ search for other kidnappers who were still at large.
