From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Seven suspected kidnapers and cultists have been arrested by security operatives during separate operations in Sapele and Ughelli areas of Delta State.
Public Relations Officer of the state police command, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, noted that one kidnapped victim was rescued.
Edafe stated that assorted weapons were recovered from the hideouts of the suspects, adding that investigation has been intensified in the cases with a view to effecting more arrest.
According to Edafe, working on credible intelligence about a syndicate of armed robbers terrorizing Ughelli and its environs, operatives stormed Sapele town and arrested the leader of one of the gangs, one Ibrahim Usman (35), a native of Abaji Town in Kogi State.
He said the suspect led investigators to Itsekiri road area of Sapele town, where two of his gang members including Joseph Aondohbmba (22) of Gbeji in Logo Local Government Area, Benue State and Collins Ovo alias Gbegbes (23) from Adeji in Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State.
“The gang leader, Usman, took the team to his residence at Itsekiri road, before Macpherson area of Sapele where a beretta pistol hidden under his mattress was recovered,” Edafe stated.
He disclosed that the team also stormed Ogorode area of Sapele, where one Daniel Okete (32), a native of Jesse in Ethiope West locality of the state, was arrested and one beretta pistol “which he confessed that he bought from one Goodluck Sokutu also in custody, he confessed to being the third in command of Eiye confraternity in Sapele Town.
“Also, while acting on the confessions from a gun runner already in custody viz Goodluck Sakuta, operatives recovered a beretta pistol at an uncompleted building in Amukpe area of Sapele where it was hidden.”
Edafe further confirmed the rescue of a kidnapped female victim in Ughelli area after the distraught husband reported to the police how his wife was abducted along Isoko road by unknown hoodlums who demanded N2.5 million as ransom.
He said the victim was rescued from the hideouts of the suspects in Eruemukohwarian community following technically generated intelligence.
Edafe said though the suspects fled on sighting the security team abandoning the victim, a hot chase led to the arrest of two persons including Edafe Akporere (27) of Eruemukohwarian and Igho Midiraya (34) of Uvwianughe-Agharo in Ughellli North locality of Delta State.
“The suspects have been identified by the victim. Efforts have been intensified to arrest other fleeing gangs,” he added.