Three individuals are now in police custody in Abia State following an attack on the State’s Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, and the tragic death of two policemen near the Ariaria International Market, along Faulks Road, Aba.
The gunmen carried out the attack on the commissioner’s convoy, resulting in the loss of the two policemen who were providing security. In response, soldiers and policemen reacted aggressively, causing damage to shops and properties and arresting local residents. The Ariaria area, including the market, was abandoned. However, the situation has started to calm down after Governor Alex Otti’s visit to the area.
The Abia State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were apprehended at a hotel in Ohanze, Obingwa council area. The police recovered two revolver pistols, six rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition suitable for AK-47 rifles, and five rounds of 9mm ammunition from the suspects.
Additionally, the Isuochi Division of the Police conducted a raid at Garki market in Lokpanta, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway, resulting in the arrest of 20 male and 4 female suspects. Various items, including suspected Indian hemp (weed) and objects believed to be charms, were seized. Among those arrested were two well-known kidnap kingpins in Umunneochi council area.
During the operation, the Isuochi Divisional Police encountered a kidnapping incident and managed to rescue three victims from the kidnappers, who escaped into the bush. Subsequently, two more victims were rescued on July 23, 2023, bringing the total number of rescued individuals to five.
The Abia State Police Command assured residents that they will continue their efforts in combating crime and urged the community’s support to make the state safer.
