Soldiers in Aba Kill Kidnapper, Arrest 2 Members of his Gang, Including a Lady

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 his gang, including a lady, and rescued a female victim.

Vanguard gathered that an Aba-based business woman, Mrs. Rita Anaekwe, was last Sunday night abducted at her residence on Anaekwe Street, Umuleta village, Obinkwu in Ukwa West local
government area.

Family sources said the hoodlums gained entry into the house through the back fence and shot dead the family dog before gaining access to the main building.

The 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, SUV, with which they whisked the woman away.

Soldiers of the 144 battalion who were alerted to the incident, trailed the kidnappers to their hideout.
In the ensuing gun duel, one of the kidnappers was reportedly shot dead, while two others, including a female member, was arrested.

A military source said Anaekwe was rescued unhurt, while her vehicle was later recovered by men of the Police Area Command, Aba.

Speaking with journalists, Anaekwe commended the efforts of the soldiers in rescuing her and the vehicle a few hours after the incident.

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.