According to Vanguard newspaper, Abia Governor Alex Otti stated in his statement that a raid was carried out against armed gang members in the Umunneochi region due to increasing kidnappings in the state.
Noting that shocking discoveries were made during the raid, Otti said, “We found more than 50 decomposed corpses and more than 20 headless bodies of women and children around the cattle market in the Umunneochi region in less than 48 hours. We also found many human skeletons.” said.
Otti expressed his regret that the area around the market has become a haven for criminals and promised to continue the fight against armed gang members until complete peace and security is achieved in the state.
THERE HAS BEEN A GREAT INCREASE IN KIDNAPPING INCIDENTS
In Nigeria, the crime of kidnapping is punishable by death, yet kidnappings for ransom are common. Abia state has witnessed an increase in kidnapping cases in recent times. Many people were kidnapped in the area, including religious leaders, police officers and other residents. While some of the kidnapped people were released after a ransom was paid, the whereabouts of some are unknown despite the ransom being paid. (AA)