From CHARLES ONYEKWERE
Ebonyi State Police Command has provided an update on its achievements in the month of July and early August, highlighting sustained efforts to combat crime and maintain a safe environment for socio-economic growth.
The command said Ebonyi State, being predominantly agrarian, often experiences recurring crises over land and boundary disputes during the farming season, arising from the struggle for arable land.
In addressing these challenges, the command had deployed early warning mechanisms to promptly detect and contain brewing disputes.
This was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner of Police, Anthonia Uche-Anya, in Abakalili.
“We have also adopted a non-kinetic approach, engaging robustly with relevant stakeholders to ensure that differences are settled through civil dialogue rather than violence.
According to the commissioner, the command would continue to closely monitor flashpoints with land and boundary issues, and through this proactive strategy, we are recording encouraging results, while remaining vigilant in ensuring the safety of our people.
The statement said between July and mid-August, the command areested 131 suspects (120 males and 11 females) for various offences.
The command said out of the total arrests, 52 suspects have already been charged to court while investigations are ongoing for the others who would soon be arraigned.
The command added that it recovered six vehicles, 15 assorted firearms and 50 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, while also dislodging several criminal hideouts across the state.
Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout of hoodlums terrorising Umuogodo-Akpu Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of Icha Chidiebere and the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one Dakota vehicle and a Lexus 330 SUV without registration number.
Operatives of the Special Anti-Cult Squad trailed a syndicate that specialised in robbing residents of Onueke of their motorcycles at gunpoint.
This led to the arrest of Nwali Sunday and the recovery of one KC Sanyang motorcycle, with efforts ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
Part of the statement reads: “Following intelligence reports, operatives of Ikwo Division stormed an uncompleted building where two kidnapped students were being held.
“The victims were rescued unhurt, while three suspects- James Nweke, Oliver Nwali and Nwojiji Onyebuchi- were arrested. The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
“Arrest of a crisis instigator in Ihie/Ezza Ekembe, Ivo Local Government Area. The command’s proactive engagement with stakeholders helped to prevent Ihie/Ezza Ekembe crisis from escalating.
“On August 14, Agboti Kingsley, hired as part of mercenaries to instigate crisis in Ekembe community, was arrested and is currently assisting the police with useful information.
“Following the Ekoli Edda crisis which led to the murder of Udu Nnachi on July 9, painstaking investigation by operatives of the command attached to SWAT led to the arrest of the following persons; Amarachi Ude, Idika Ama Okoro, Sunday Ama Olughu. The suspects will be arraigned upon conculsion of investrigation.
“I wish to sincerely appreciate the people of Ebonyi State for their continuous support and cooperation with the police.I assure you that under my leadership, the command remains resolute in its mandate to protect lives and property, and to sustain the peace and security of the state.
