Police Free Kidnapped Ex-Commissioner's Mother, 75, In Anambra

A 75-year old woman, Mrs Virginia Arinze, who is the mother of former
Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Tourism in Anambra, Chief Ken
Arinze, kidnapped on February 21, has regained freedom.

Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, Mr. Hosea Karma, confirmed
this to newsmen in Awka on Friday.

He said the woman from Ebenebe in Awka North Local Government Area of
the state was rescued on February 27 at Obinofia Ndiuno in Ezeagu,
Enugu State.

He said the police and other security agencies would not relent in
making the state crime free.
Karma explained that the kidnappers were traced to Enugu State by his
men following a tip-off after the woman's family had paid N2.5m ransom
to the hoodlums.

The commissioner said the hoodlums called the woman's son on the
telephone and told him that he would never see his mother again.

He said the two suspects were gunned down during a gun battle with the
police, adding that 13 other suspected kidnappers were arrested.

Karma said some of the items recovered from them included four AK47
riffles, English pistol and seven rounds of 9mm ammunition.

He said two of the suspects kidnapped the niece of the founder of
Madonna University, Okija, in Ihiala Council Area, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel
Edeh, on January 4 in the state.

He said she was rescued at Obolo-Afor, Enugu State.

The CP added, "These people had engaged in high profile kidnapping in
the state and elsewhere and had been hiding without knowing that they
would be arrested one day.

"We are prepared to work day and night in Anambra to ensure peace;
this is just a warning to others who are preparing to unleash mayhem
in this state.

"I am ready and my men are equally ready for them, if they think
Anambra is safe for them, they should have a rethink."
--PUNCH