SSS arrests kidnappers of Ebonyi ex-lawmaker

The State Security Service, Ebonyi Command, has arrested two alleged kidnappers of Chief Kennedy Ogba, the former Deputy Leader of the State Assembly,

The brother-in-law to Dr Sam Egwu, a former governor of the state, was kidnapped on February 7.

The State Director of the SSS, Mr Laasan Baba, while parading the suspects, said Ogba was kidnapped at Nsurakpa Village in Ohaukwu Local Government Area by three armed men.

'The kidnappers were arrested on Friday by my officers at Ndubia Local Government Council when they came to collect the N2 million ransom they had demanded.

'The suspects include Chukwuemeka Nwafor, a notorious herbalist, armed robber and kidnapper from Abaomege, Ebonyi, and Anayo Kalu from Abia.

'When they were arrested, we found a list of high profile persons including politicians, local government chairmen, businessmen, women, children among others, all pencilled for kidnap this year,' Baba said.

He said that the aim of the kidnappers was to cause confusion in the state as elections were approaching.

Baba said that some members of the gang escaped during the operation and promised that efforts will be intensified to arrest and prosecute them.

'The two suspects in our custody sustained various degrees of injuries during the gun battle with our officers.

'They are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki,' the director said.

Speaking with newsmen, one of the suspects, Nwafor, denied involvement in the act.

He said that he was a motorcycle operator going about his normal business when he was arrested.

Recounting his ordeal in the hands of the hoodlums, Ogba said he was blindfolded and kept in a shrine all through his captivity.

'I thank God for my release and commend the SSS for their gallantry,' he said. NAN