Police Rescues 3 Chained Victims From Notorious Kidnapper’s Compound In Anambra

Police Rescues 3 Chained Victims From Notorious Kidnapper’s Compound In Anambra

An extraordinary rescue operation by the Anambra State police forces resulted in the liberation of three individuals who had been held captive, bound to structural pillars in a residence located in Umuohi Village, Okija. The victims, confined in the compound for several weeks, were reportedly held without food and deprived of any communication with the outside world.

The Anambra State police department’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police Tochukwu Ikenga, relayed the account of the mission, stating that the victims were freed on a Saturday. The Rapid Response Squad from Awkuzu, acting on crucial intelligence, descended upon the compound. Notably, the property was the stronghold of the notorious kidnapping ringleader known as Onyeka Aduba, or “Totoritor”.

The pivotal information that led the Rapid Response Squad to the compound was obtained through the admissions made by Aduba himself. The infamous ringleader was previously apprehended and had been detained by the police force. The confessions he made under police custody played a significant role in the successful rescue operation.

DSP Ikenga stated, “At about 4 pm on the 14th of July, 2023, our Rapid Response Squad, based in Awkuzu, received credible intelligence which led them to raid the compound owned by the notorious criminal known as ‘Totoritor’—Onyeka Aduba—in Umuohi Village, Okija. Inside, they discovered the horrifying sight of three citizens who had been kidnapped and chained to the building’s pillars.”

Two individuals, identified as Okika Chukwujekwu, a 31-year-old male, and Sylvester Okorie Ikwuanusi, a 55-year-old male, were apprehended at the scene for further questioning. These arrests were facilitated by the detailed confession provided by the apprehended gang leader ‘Totoritor’. The notorious criminal was previously identified on the 6th of July, 2023, by a victim who had sustained gunshot wounds, leading to his arrest.

“The preliminary investigation into the case revealed that the rescued victims had been forcefully held in silence and chained to pillars within the compound for several weeks prior to their liberation,” added Ikenga.

The police force is actively pursuing the remaining members of the criminal gang, who managed to evade arrest during the initial operation. Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, has urged the residents of Anambra State to dismiss any propagandist narratives disseminated by unlawful organizations. He underscored the importance of continued collaboration with the police and other security agencies in the state to establish enduring peace throughout Anambra.

CP Adeoye has further appealed to the citizens of Anambra to maintain their vigilance and continue their indispensable support to the police by providing timely and critical information. He stressed the necessity for the public to report any suspicious individuals or unusual activities to the nearest police station, or call the command emergency number (112) or 07039194332 to ensure a swift response.

Additionally, CP Adeoye recommended the ‘NPF rescue me app’, which is readily available for download free of charge on both Android and Apple IOS for smartphone users, as an effective tool for reporting emergency situations.