The Imo State Police Command announced on Thursday the successful rescue of Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, the immediate past chairman of the Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, who was kidnapped by unidentified gunmen on January 6, 2024. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, revealed this information to the press in Owerri.
Okoye credited the successful rescue operation to the collaboration between the Imo State Police Command and sister security agencies. He explained that the security forces took decisive action by confronting the kidnappers in the forest, overpowering them, and successfully rescuing Eze Ohiri.
The PPRO stated, “To the glory of God, he has been released, after a hot chase on the kidnappers at the forest by operatives of the Command’s Anti-kidnapping unit. The Command will continue to work towards stamping out all forms of violent crimes in the State.”
Providing details on the incident, an eyewitness recounted that Eze Ohiri and his brother from the United States were visiting friends in the spirit of Christmas. Upon their return to Ohiri’s compound, armed gunmen in a Highlander vehicle ambushed them. The assailants shot sporadically, abducted both individuals, and drove away towards the Njaba to Orlu road. Fortunately, Ohiri’s brother managed to escape.
The Imo State Police Command assured the public of its commitment to eradicating violent crimes and maintaining the safety and security of residents in the state. The successful rescue operation highlights the importance of collaboration among security agencies in combating criminal activities.
