Soldiers of the 144 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, stationed at Asa in Ukwa West local government area of Abia State have shot dead a kidnapper, arrested two members of the gang, including a lady, and rescued a female victim.
According to Vanguard, a businesswoman in Aba, Mrs Rita Anaekwe was kidnapped last Sunday night from her house by some bandits at Anaekwe Street, Umuleta village, Obinkwu in Ukwa West local government area in Abia state.
The outlaws reportedly gained access into her house by scaling the back fence and shooting dead their family dog to prevent disturbance.
Family sources hinted that when the kidnappers got to the lady, whose husband was said to have traveled, they demanded for cash, gold bracelets and other valuables from the woman which she gave them. After collecting the items, the hoodlums were also said to have demanded for the key of the family’s Nissan Pathfinder Sport Utility Vehicle, with which they whisked the woman away.
Fortunately for the victim, some of the 144 battalion Soldiers in Abia were alerted about the kidnap. They promptly followed the kidnappers to their hide-out. The kidnappers engaged them in a gun fight which led to the death of one of their members while two others were arrested including a female member. The businessman was successfully rescued without injuries.
Commanding Officer of the 144 battalion, Lt. Col. Kasim Umar Sidi, who confirmed the incident, said investigations were ongoing and promised that fleeing members of the gang would soon be arrested.
Mrs Rita Anaekwe publicly commended the efforts of the gallant soldiers. Her vehicle has been recovered by the men of the Abia state Police Command.