Police arrest suspects in the abduction of Catholic Bishop Owerri

After the rescue of Archbishop Owerri’s assistant bishop, Moses Chikve, his abductors and those who were behind his abduction were arrested.

This was reported by the Imo State Police Command.

Orlando Ikeokwu State Police Public Affairs Officer confirmed this to Owerri reporters.

According to Vanguard, he said the victims rescued included Bishop Chikwe’s driver and a 33-year-old woman, Chioma Stephanie Ekvedike, who was abducted outside her home at Imo Housing Estate Umuguma. local government Owerry West.

Police also said the bishop and others were rescued from a dense forest between Avara in the Ohaji / Egbema local government area in Imo State and the Omuku Streams in Rivers State, led by anti-kidnapping.

They noted that during the rescue operation, some members of the kidnapping gang had gone into hiding and that the command stepped up efforts to arrest them.

“Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Owerri, Monsignor. Police said Moses Chikwe was rescued unharmed by an operation carried out by the Tactical Command Team led by the Anti-Abduction Unit.

As a reminder, on December 27, 2020, the auxiliary bishop was abducted along with his driver, and the bandits continued to abduct 33-year-old Chioma Stephanie Ekvedike (n.Place in front of his residence.

Based on the above, the Chief and Officer in charge of the State Police Command, newly appointed AIG, Isaac Akinmoyed, activated all tactical commands in command and instructed them to rescue the Bishop and others and arrest the thugs. responsibility for the act.

“Acting in accordance with this directive, on December 31, 2020, a combined unit of all tactical groups stormed the Avara, Ohaji / Egbema LGA and Omuku streams. Few people with direct links to criminals / criminals have been arrested and some incriminating elements have been found.

“The arrest of the suspects and other operations coordinated by the command resulted in the kidnappers abandoning the victims, which led to the rescue of the bishop and two other victims without any damage or ransom payment. Efforts are under way to arrest the escaped members of the infamous abductors’ union. “

The IMO Police Command also states: “The Command also wishes to thank the public and the Christian community for the calmness (experienced) during this agony and the trust shown to the Nigerian police in solving the crime.

“However, we want to assure everyone that the command is still capable of protecting all law-abiding citizens of the state.

“Members of the public are reminded that all incidents in their area must be promptly reported to the police, especially serious incidents or gruesome crimes.

“The command also requires the public to know about crime and crime in their area so that the police can take swift and decisive action.”