Johnkennedy Uzoma, Owerri.
The Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, Bishop Moses Chikwe has been rescued unhurt.
His release was as a result of a sting operation embarked upon by the tactical squad of the Command led by the Anti Kidnapping Unit.
The Auxiliary Bishop was kidnapped few days back together with his driver and one Chioma Stephenie Ekwedike ‘f’ aged 33yrs at Imo Housing Estate Umuguma, Owerri West LGA in front of her residence.
The command pursuant to the above challenge activated all tactical teams under the newly promoted AIG ISAAC O. AKINMOYEDE, activated all the tactical teams in the command eith a charge to rescue the Bishop and others, and arrest the hoodlums responsible for the act.
Acting on the said directive, a combined unit of all the tactical teams on the 31st December, 2020 stormed Awara, Ohaji/Egbema LGA and Omuku creeks where the Bishop was rescued.
In a statement issued by the Imo State Police Command Public Relations Officer SP Ikeoku Orlando Godson disclosed that few persons positively linked to the crime/criminals were arrested, and some incriminating items recovered.
The arrest of the suspects and other coordinated operations by the Command according to him led to the kidnappers abandoning victims, leading to rescue of the bishop and two other victims unhurt and without payment of any ransom.
He said that efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing members of the notorious kidnapping syndicate.
He regretted that an online media platform last week came up with the news of the death of the Bishop.
The PPRO recalled that the online report claimed that the Auxiliary Bishop was beheaded and his head and decapitated body recovered somewhere in Anambra state.
He therefore warn against such speculative and junk reportings especially in social media as such is capable of causing breach of peace.
He commended the public and the Christian community for the calmness during the period of this travail and the confidence reposed in the Nigeria Police to resolve the crime.
He however wishes to assure everyone that the Command remains capable of protecting all law abiding citizens of the state.
He reminded members of the public that all incidents within their area must be promptly reported to the Police especially incidents of grievous nature or heinous crimes.
The Command also calls for information from the members of the public concerning crime and criminalities in their area to enable the police take prompt and decisive actions.
