The Ebonyi State Police Command has recorded a major security breakthrough after rescuing an abducted Methodist cleric and recovering a locally made Beretta pistol in two separate operations across the state.
The rescued cleric, identified as Rev. Ede Sunday, was abducted on September 9 in front of the Methodist Church, Ndulo Amofia, in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Joshua Ukandu, the incident was reported to the command at about 11:55 p.m., following which police operatives immediately mobilised and launched a pursuit of the abductors.
The cleric was reportedly accosted by two armed men who double-crossed his vehicle, forced him out and escaped with him on a motorcycle.
However, the abductors abandoned their victim as police operatives closed in during the pursuit. Rev. Ede was later found and rescued at St. James Secondary School, Amofia, while his vehicle was also recovered.
Police said the cleric has since been reunited with his family, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation in Abakaliki, police operatives also disrupted a suspected cult meeting around a bakery in the Kpirikpiri area of Mile 50.
The suspects reportedly fled after sighting the police, leaving behind a bag which was searched by the operatives.
Inside the bag, police recovered a locally made Beretta pistol loaded with one round of 9mm ammunition, as well as a mobile phone allegedly belonging to a victim who was robbed earlier that night.
One suspect, identified as Oshim Chisom, was arrested and is currently assisting investigators.
The Ebonyi Police Command said intensified efforts are underway to track down the other suspects connected to both incidents.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Urunwa Okafor, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism, while reaffirming the command’s determination to prevent criminals from establishing safe havens in the state.
The command also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crime and apprehending suspects.
