Police have intensified patrol in the nooks and crannies of Imo State to tackle the rise in the sale of babies, child trafficking, armed robbery, kidnapping, and car snatching.
One kidnap victim, Chidi Opera, a journalist with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was released by her abductors but they held on to her Lexus Jeep valued at N2.5 million.
Another victim, Rev Father Philip Ojimmadu, was rescued by the police who disclosed that two members of the kidnap gang were about to sell his car in Aba when they were arrested on a tip off.
Upon interrogation, the suspects disclosed where they hid Ojimmadu’s car.
Over 20 kidnap cases have been reported in Imo in the past two months. Some victims report to the police, the families of others deal with abductors directly to secure the release of captives.
Kidnapping has risen in the state since the general election during which politicians armed thugs to unleash terror on opponents.
Police also confirmed the arrest of a gang responsible for child theft and trafficking.
“The arrest was sequel to a report that one Ibuchi Okafor aged 20 years of Ihioma in Orlu Local Council of the state who absconded from home and returned without her baby, raising suspicion that she may have sold the baby,” the police said.
“Upon interrogation, Ibuchi disclosed that she was delivered of a baby boy at the home of one Emmanuel Eke of Mbutu in Isiala Ngwa South Local Council of Abia State who later sold the baby to an unknown buyer.
“Operatives stormed the home of Eke where other pregnant ladies believed to be producing babies for sale were all arrested.”
Police said Eke confessed that he sold Ibuchi’s baby boy for N500,000.
Police Commissioner, Austine Evbakhabokun, told TheNiche that his command is ready to deal with criminals and has reinvigorated crime patrol teams which include Special Response Monitoring Unit, Scorpion Squad, and Special Anti Robbery Squad.
He urged members of the public to volunteer information to the police, particularly on the hideouts of suspects.
His words: “My men are at alert and ready to deal summarily with crime related matters and we want people to step forward and tell us stories of suspected criminals and where they can be found.
“We have made several arrests in respect of crime related issues. While some are facing prosecution, others are being investigated.”