The Imo State Police Command last week smashed a five man kidnap gang which has been terrorizing residents of Prefab Housing Estate in the State Capital.
Residents of the area who spoke on condition of anonymity disclosed that the gang had been having a field day in the estate and kidnapping people for ransome thereby throwing a thick blanket of fear over residents.
It was gathered that the gang a few weeks ago attempted to kidnap a retired permanent secretary in the area who however, put a stiff resistance which foiled the attempt. But, he did not go scot free as the hoodlums were said to have crippled him with the AK47 assault rifle they came to kidnap him with.
A few days after the failed attempt on the permanent secretary the kidnappers launched another attack in the same area and this time succeeded in abducting a woman whose husband is said to be in the hospitality business in the state.
Luck however, ran out on them last week when the police which had been trailing them, got a tip off that they were in their hide-out ostensibly to plan another operation, swooped on them.
Taken unaware, the gang members attempted to flee the but were nabbed by men of the police who had strategically positioned themselves before announcing their presence with gunshots and apprehending the hoodlums.
When contacted for comments the State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Andrew Enwere told this reporter that, he was busy with the nation’s independence anniversary celebration at the Dan Anyiam Stadium and therefore, not in a position to talk.
