A coordinated security operation by the Udenu Local Government Council’s joint security task force has successfully led to the rescue of about 10 kidnap victims previously abducted in parts of Udenu, Enugu State.
The victims were freed late Thursday night after security operatives, acting on credible intelligence from the Police Area Command, Orba, and the Divisional Police Office, Obollo Afor, alongside Neighbourhood Watch Security Outfits and Forest Guards, tracked the kidnappers and their captives to the Orokaram axis of Benue State, a border community with Amalla in Udenu LGA.
According to security sources, as the joint task force advanced and encircled the hideout, the criminals abandoned the victims and fled into the night. A brief exchange of gunfire ensued as operatives pursued the fleeing suspects, who eventually escaped through the bush path.
The freed victims were brought to the Area Command in Orba, where they were received joyfully by family members in an atmosphere of relief and celebration. Police authorities confirmed that ransom had already been paid for three of the captives, who were on the verge of being released before the rescue team intervened. Despite earlier threats from the gang to kill those whose families had not paid, all abductees were safely rescued without further harm.
This development comes barely 48 hours after the Chairman of Udenu Local Government Area, Aka Eze Aka, intensified the battle against insecurity in the region. On Tuesday, he convened an expanded security summit behind closed doors, attended by senior police personnel including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), representing the Enugu State Commissioner of Police; the Chief Security Officer to the Governor; as well as Town Union leaders from affected Communities.
At the summit, the LG Chairman announced a ₦5 million bounty for credible information leading to the arrest of the kidnappers terrorizing Udenu and surrounding areas. He also unveiled a dedicated hotline to encourage timely intelligence reporting.
“We are determined to flush out criminality from our land. Every responsible citizen has a role to play,” Aka said during the meeting.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with prompt, actionable information. Meanwhile, efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing kidnappers remain ongoing.
Security analysts say the successful rescue may signal a turning point in the ongoing efforts to curb rising criminal activities in Udenu and reinforce public confidence in security operations across Enugu State.
© AkaEzeAka Media Team.
