Troops foil kidnap of Bishop, aides in Imo

Troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC Road, Orlu, Imo State.

The army said on Sunday that the troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday, October 31, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission.

The army further said in a statement that the abductors targeted the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary. Stating that they are safe and unhurt, the Nigerian Army in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, reassured: “Troops will continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs operating within the sector especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season”.

The statement enjoyed members of the public to “report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom”.