Group Demands Release of Abducted Anambra Vigilante Commander

 

By Nurat Uthman

The South East Security Response has demanded the immediate release of the Commander of Anambra State Vigilante Group in Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area, Chinedu Umeakuesie, also known as Bishop.

Umeakuesie was reportedly abducted on Thursday, July 13 by some yet-to-be-identified assailants at Arondizuogu, Imo State.

The commander was said to have gone to recover a vehicle with its owner when they were ambushed, abducted, and taken to Okigwe in Imo State by the assailants, led by one “Clinton” who is said to be the gang leader.

While addressing journalists in Onitsha, Anambra State on Friday, the Protem Chairman of the group, Major Kingsley Obi (retd.), said the owner of the vehicle had since been released.

Obi explained that all efforts to secure the release of the AVG commander proved abortive after the payment of N200,000 ransom as demanded by the kidnappers, hence the call for him to be released.

He said, “The identity of the leader of the kidnapping gang has been unmasked as one “Clinton” of Ifite Village in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State but operates between Arondizuogu community, Umunze, and Okigwe areas.

“About N200,000 has been paid to the kidnappers but they have refused to release him, hence we are crying out now.

“The leader of the kidnapping gang, according to investigations, resides in Arondizuogu community near Okigwe, where he is operating as a leader of a gang of unknown gunmen with his brother-in-law.

“We are unequivocally demanding citizen Umeakuesie’s immediate and unconditional release without further delay to be reunited with the family.”