OBIARUKU/Nigeria: A cross-state kidnap gang responsible for a string of abductions and killings across Edo and Delta States has been neutralised in a coordinated security operation in Obiaruku, Delta State.
The development was confirmed in a statement issued by Harrison Gwamnishu of the Safe City Volunteer
Foundation, who disclosed that the gang had been trailed for days following multiple attacks spanning Auchi, Ekpoma, Uromi/Ewohimi, Abavo and Emuhu. Gwamnishu, who signed the release, said the operation was carried out with full support from the Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government, Barrister Possible Ajede.
According to the statement, the gang had first been traced from Auchi before fleeing through Ekpoma, diverting toward Uromi and Ewohimi, and eventually arriving in Igbodo, Delta State, where they abducted a woman and collected ransom. The victim, now safe, later identified her abductors.
Just last week, the same gang reportedly kidnapped a man in Emuhu, Delta State, abducted two palm-wine tappers and killed one of them after he failed to pay ransom. They were said to have escaped through Abavo and crossed into Urhonigbe in Edo North using the railway track as a getaway route.
Gwamnishu stated that four days prior to the successful raid, the Safe City team had arrived in Obiaruku, where Chairman Ajede assigned officers from the State Command Special Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) along with two civilian anti-cult operatives to support the mission.
Following a series of aerial surveillance operations, the joint team stormed the kidnappers’ hideout earlier on Monday, engaged the suspects and neutralised them. An AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene.
Gwamnishu expressed gratitude to Ajede for his “unwavering support and personal commitment” that enabled the breakthrough, and also acknowledged the efforts of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and Senator Monday Okpebholo for ensuring the mobilisation of necessary security resources.
He reaffirmed that the Safe City Volunteer Foundation remains committed to strengthening community-based security across the region and called on the public to support its operations through donations.
