Army rescues Catholic Bishop, aides from kidnappers in Imo

The Army on Sunday rescued Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma and two his aides when unknown gunmen invaded the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC road, Orlu Imo state.

The army in a statement signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that the troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday, October 31, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission.

The army further said that the abductors targeted the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary, stating that they are safe and unhurt.

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“Troops will continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and other criminal gangs operating within the sector especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season”.

The statement encouraged members of the public to “report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom”.