Residents of Owerri West and Owerri North Council Areas are living in fear due to a surge in kidnappings. Eyewitnesses report that the latest incident occurred on Wednesday night in Okpala Naze and Umuogidi Obibiezena, Owerri North. The victim, known as Koko Nwa Jesus, was allegedly kidnapped by Fulani herdsmen.
Similar incidents have been reported in Owerri West, prompting the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) to issue a warning to students. The university registrar, Chidozie Uba, advised students to avoid unnecessary movements between 6 am and 6 pm and to be vigilant.
Residents are calling for intervention from security agencies, with one victim who escaped from kidnappers sharing his experience online. The Nigeria Police Force has responded, highlighting recent operational successes in tackling kidnapping in Imo State, including the arrest of five suspects and the rescue of a kidnapped victim.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, assured that the force is committed to combating kidnapping and other crimes, with proactive and reactive measures in place to bolster security.
Vanguard.
