Two male kidnapping suspects have been arrested by police operatives in Enugu State following discreet investigations based on intelligence. The suspects are allegedly involved in the abduction of a heavily pregnant woman along Eke-Egede Road in Udi LGA around 9:45 p.m. on April 22, 2024.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has ordered a manhunt for other members of the kidnapping gang who are currently at large.
A statement issued on Saturday by DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Enugu State Command, confirmed the arrests.
The victim’s husband, Mr. Ekene Igwe, expressed gratitude to the Enugu State government for their swift intervention, which included covering the medical expenses of his wife.
CP Uzuegbu promptly led a team of police operatives, assisted by the Neigbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guards, to rescue the woman around noon on April 23, 2024, just 24 hours after the abduction.
The woman, identified as Chinwendu Igwe, was in her expected period of delivery and fortunately gave birth to a male child after being rescued. Both mother and baby received medical attention and are in good condition, with the Enugu State Government taking responsibility for their medical bills.
An initial investigation revealed that the woman, for reasons unknown, undertook a journey from Lagos to her paternal home in Egede, Udi LGA, despite being in the late stages of pregnancy.
While traveling, she boarded a commercial motorcycle due to a lack of alternative transportation. The abductors struck during the journey, kidnapping the woman and leaving the motorcycle rider and her two children behind.
CP Uzuegbu refuted claims by The Nation Newspaper that the woman was en route to the hospital for delivery and clarified the sequence of events surrounding the incident to correct misinformation.
Mr. Igwe, the victim’s husband, praised Governor Peter Mbah and the Enugu State government for their immediate response and support extended to his family during this ordeal.