Abducted chief Ezeokafor, reverend sister regain freedom in Anambra

There was relief in Anambra State on Saturday after Chief J. J. Ezeokafor and a Reverend Sister, who were abducted by armed criminals at Ifite Awka, regained their freedom and returned safely.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the release of the two victims, saying their safe return had brought relief to their families, friends and associates.

However, the Command said the circumstances surrounding their release remained under investigation as security agencies intensified efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The development followed sustained intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations aimed at tracking the perpetrators and determining how the victims secured their freedom.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, welcomed the safe return of the victims but warned that the development would not bring the security operation to an end.

“The safe return of the victims is welcome news, but our work is far from over. We are intensifying efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for this criminal act,” the Command stated.

Police Probe Circumstances of Release

According to the police, investigators are working to establish what transpired during the period of the abduction and how the victims eventually regained their freedom.

READ ALSO; Gunmen reportedly kidnap APC women leaders after attending Kaduna Gov. Uba Sani’s inauguration

Information obtained from the victims and other individuals connected to the incident is expected to assist investigators in reconstructing events and identifying possible leads to the abductors.

The Command did not disclose whether a ransom was paid to secure the victims’ release.

Security agencies involved in the operation include the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Agunechemba Security Operatives and other relevant formations.

The agencies are expected to deploy intelligence gathering, surveillance and field operations to track the suspects and uncover their possible hideouts.

Manhunt Continues

The police said the objective of the ongoing operation was not only to identify those behind the abduction but also to ensure that they are arrested and brought to justice.

The Command appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in their investigations.

It also stressed that cooperation from residents remains crucial to tackling abduction and other criminal activities, particularly where perpetrators may rely on local knowledge and hideouts to evade security operatives.

The police expressed appreciation to members of the public for their support and cooperation throughout the incident.

While the safe return of Chief Ezeokafor and the Reverend Sister has brought immediate relief to their families, questions remain about the circumstances of their abduction and release.

For the security agencies, attention has now shifted from the rescue of the victims to identifying and apprehending those responsible.

The latest incident comes amid broader efforts by security agencies in Anambra to strengthen intelligence gathering, disrupt criminal networks and improve security across communities.

Authorities are expected to sustain the manhunt until the perpetrators are identified and brought before the law.