From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Four kidnapped victims in Orerokpe, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State have been rescued by operatives of the state police command after they were abandoned in the bush by their abductors.
The victims were kidnapped on Monday while on transit along the Abraka-Eku expressway by Orerokpe Bridge, with the hoodlums demanding a hefty N10 million ransom.
But in a swift response, a combined security team comprising of the police, army and local vigilante, trailed the kidnappers into the adjoining bushes using technically generated intelligence.
Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Bright Edafe who confirmed the rescue on Wednesday in a statement, said operatives “combed the bushes relentlessly putting pressure on the kidnappers who on sighting the rescue team hastily abandoned the victims and took to their heels.
“Consequently, all the kidnapped victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where they were treated, discharged, and have since been reunited with their families. Efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects are ongoing.”
Edafe also confirmed the arrest of two suspected armed robbers and the recovery of arms at separate locations in the state.
According to him, during an intensive stop and search operation at Aragba Junction along Sapele-Aghalokpe Road, operatives accosted one Sunday Yerakpo in possession of four new locally-made cut-to-size guns.
He said the 35-year-old male suspect who hails from Orhuwhorun in Udu LGA of the state, concealed the guns under the seat of his red QLINK motorcycle marked JRT178VH.
“The suspect was immediately arrested and preliminary investigation revealed that he deals in gun running and that one of his accomplices known as Ose Ogboyen ‘m’ sent him to deliver the arms to a client popularly known as ‘Saputu’. Efforts to arrest the said Ose Ogboyen and Saputu are ongoing.
Edafe added that acting on credible information, operatives arrested a 25-year suspect, one Prince Diegbegha in Ogulagha, Burutu LGA.
“When a search was conducted at his residence, one Makarov pistol with an empty magazine was recovered. During interrogation, the suspect stated that he bought the gun for N200,000.00 from one Oshimili (now late) in the year 2018 at Ozoro. The suspect and Exhibit are in custody and investigation is ongoing,” he stated.