Awka— Barely 48 hours after the launch of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s much-publicized security initiative, Operation Udo Ga Achi (Peace Must Reign), kidnappers in Anambra State struck brazenly, abducting a man in Aku village, Ezinifitte, Aguata Local Government Area. The chilling incident underscores the audacious challenge posed by criminals to the state government’s renewed efforts to combat insecurity.
The victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, was reportedly abducted around 11 p.m. on Sunday. Eyewitnesses said the assailants, armed and determined, commandeered the victim into his own vehicle and used it to ferry him around as they negotiated a ransom.
The ordeal ended early Monday morning, around 7 a.m., when the man was released, but not without a significant financial toll. A family member disclosed that the kidnappers had emptied the victim’s bank account through a fraudulent POS transaction tied to a MoniePoint account.
“The kidnapped victim has thankfully been released this morning, but at a heavy cost,” the victim’s cousin revealed. “His entire bank account was drained. The perpetrators exploited a POS device to siphon off the funds. Your prayers, messages, and support during this difficult time have meant the world to us.”
While the exact ransom amount remains undisclosed, the victim’s family has called for help in recovering the stolen funds. The situation raises troubling questions about the effectiveness of the newly launched Operation Udo Ga Achi.
Governor Soludo, who inaugurated the initiative with much fanfare, had described it as a decisive step towards restoring peace and order in the state. However, this incident highlights the resilience and adaptability of criminal networks in the face of heightened security measures.
Security analysts and residents have expressed concern over the brazen nature of the attack, which they say is a direct affront to the state government’s resolve. “This is not just a kidnapping; it’s a bold statement from these criminals,” said a local security expert. “The government must go beyond rhetoric and invest in actionable intelligence to dismantle these networks.”
The Anambra State Police Command has yet to issue a statement on the incident or confirm if investigations are underway to track down the perpetrators. Meanwhile, residents of Ezinifitte and neighboring communities remain on edge, urging the state government to intensify efforts to make Operation Udo Ga Achi a success.
As the state grapples with the challenge of insecurity, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for sustained and effective measures to combat the menace of kidnapping and other violent crimes in Anambra State.
PIONEER NEWS 