From Chijioke Agwu, Abakaliki
The Police in Ebonyi State have arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of late Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) staff member, Emmanuel Igwe.
Late Igwe, an INEC electoral officer in Afikpo, was ambushed and killed by the suspects, along Mpu-Ishiagu-Okigwe road, while returning from Abia State with his wife. The suspects after killing Igwe also kidnapped his wife.
Chairman, Ivo Local Government Area of the state, Mr. Emmanuel Ajah, who confirmed the arrest of the eight suspects to journalists in Abakaliki, said they were arrested after collecting ransom for the late Igwe’s wife.
Ajah, however, disclosed that Mrs. Igwe, was rescued unhurt, after paying a ransom to the kidnappers. He said they were apprehended through the joint efforts of police and local vigilantes.
“The kidnappers, who killed INEC staff, last Sunday, abducted his wife and, also, butchered the father of Ohaneze youth leader, Ajah Okeafor, have been arrested.
“We haven’t slept since that incident happened; the kidnappers demanded ransom and we gave it to them. We tracked them to their hideout, through the joint efforts of the security agencies and my men. We have apprehended eight of them and we are still searching for the remaining two, who are the major kingpin,” he said.
He said the gang was responsible for the various kidnapping incidents taking place in the area. The Police Public Relations Officer, Ebonyi command, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, was not available for comment at press time.