Says ‘Kidnapped Perm Sec Still Alive’
Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has declared total war against kidnappers and criminals who still operate in the state.
This is even as he assured that the kidnapped permanent secretary in the office of the deputy governor who has been in custody of his abductors for over two months would regain freedom unhurt as security agents are closing in on the kidnappers.
The governor said “The kidnapping of the permanent secretary to the deputy governor has been so worrisome to this government and we are doing all we can to make sure that he is rescued as soon as possible.
“When there is a kidnap of such nature that takes this long time, there are always issues of close friends or relations involved in the matter. We are out to fish-out the people responsible for this and we have gotten a genuine information on where he is being kept. We will definitely get those behind this act. We are aware of the legal constraints of taking a kidnapper to court. The person gets bail and get freed because witnesses are afraid to testify against them in the court of law. We have taken that into consideration and have come up with a better way of handling the situation which should be justice for all.
“Let me say that any premises that are used for kidnap activities or where kidnap victims are kept must be pulled down. Also, any completed building in the state must have security agents attached to it by the owner to safeguard it from being used for kidnap activities as it will be pulled down if used. Any farmland that kidnappers use as their operational base if found will be taken over by the state government no matter the size of the land. Then, let me state clearly that death penalty awaits kidnappers in the state as stipulated in Imo State Law on kidnapping”
Gov. Okorocha however enjoined the people to cooperate with the state government and security agencies by volunteering useful information that will lead to arrest of kidnappers and criminals hence they live and operate within our society.
He directed for immediate closure of nude clubs in the state especially in Owerri state capital as a measure towards curbing immorality and indiscipline that have crept into our social life.
“Let me also warn that anyone who is operating a nude club in Imo state is hereby advised to close down immediately or the state government will have it closed down forever. This government will not tolerate any act of indiscipline and immorality that tend to expose our little girls and boys to danger” he said.
He commended the security agencies for rising to the challenges of insecurity and pledged the commitment of his administration to make Imo a crime-free state.
