Police Didn’t Rescue Me From Kidnappers, Ransom Was Paid – Imo Monarch
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Nigeria News
The ex-Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, has refuted a social media report attributing his recent release from the kidnappers' captivity to the tactical intervention of Nigeria Police Force operatives.
During a press conference held at his Obi-Orodo palace, Eze Ohiri emphasized his decision to set the records straight, aiming to prevent the spread of misinformation in the state.
He contradicted the assertions made by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Danjuma Aboki, regarding the role played in securing his rescue. He clarified to the general public that the Police did not contribute to his regaining freedom.
The ex-Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri, has refuted a social media report attributing his recent release from the kidnappers' captivity to the tactical intervention of Nigeria Police Force operatives.
During a press conference held at his Obi-Orodo palace, Eze Ohiri emphasized his decision to set the records straight, aiming to prevent the spread of misinformation in the state.
He contradicted the assertions made by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Danjuma Aboki, regarding the role played in securing his rescue. He clarified to the general public that the Police did not contribute to his regaining freedom.
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Eze Ohiri revealed that his release from captivity was a result of divine intervention by the Almighty God, his fervent prayers, financial contributions, and the support of his community members, friends, and well-wishers.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Eze Ohiri narrated that he had returned home to celebrate the 2023 Christmas and the beginning of 2024 with the people of Obi-Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. However, on the early morning of January 6, 2024, he found himself in the hands of criminals after visiting an old friend and senior schoolmate from Emmanuel College Owerri, who resided in the same community.
He recounted that while returning at around 8:30 am, he encountered armed men within his palace who, in their own vehicle, intercepted his vehicle and forcefully abducted him after a fierce struggle.
Eze Ohiri revealed that his release from captivity was a result of divine intervention by the Almighty God, his fervent prayers, financial contributions, and the support of his community members, friends, and well-wishers.
Recalling the harrowing experience, Eze Ohiri narrated that he had returned home to celebrate the 2023 Christmas and the beginning of 2024 with the people of Obi-Orodo in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. However, on the early morning of January 6, 2024, he found himself in the hands of criminals after visiting an old friend and senior schoolmate from Emmanuel College Owerri, who resided in the same community.
He recounted that while returning at around 8:30 am, he encountered armed men within his palace who, in their own vehicle, intercepted his vehicle and forcefully abducted him after a fierce struggle.
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He stated, "I was compelled into their vehicle amidst the intense struggle, but I thank God that nobody was harmed, even though they were armed with guns."
He recounted, "That was how it happened; thankfully, my cousin brother cleverly identified himself as my driver, and he was released. However, they blindfolded me and swiftly drove off to an undisclosed location."
The monarch described being initially held in an unfinished building before being relocated to another location. He emphasized the agonizing twelve days spent in captivity, stating that it was an incredibly challenging experience.
According to him, it initially appeared that the abductors had specific issues with traditional rulers and politicians. Fortunately, their leader intervened and instructed them not to harm him due to his decent reputation.
READ: Kidnapping Now Impossible to Stop in Nigeria - Wike
Eze shared that negotiations commenced between his associates and the kidnappers, leading to his eventual release after the payment of initial and subsequent ransoms.
He explained, "They transported me and another captive to Eziama-Obiato, a community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, during the night, after spending twelve days in their hideout. From there, I managed to return to Owerri at Control Post, where my people picked me up and brought me back to my palace."
The former Eze Imo characterized his abductors as hostile and cruel, highlighting the restrictions on communication unless permitted. He noted their strong resentment towards traditional rulers and politicians.
While requesting prayers, he expressed disappointment that some individuals harbor unrealistic expectations from traditional rulers, overlooking the fact that they are not policymakers responsible for formulating policies to advance the country.
READ: I Went Into Kidnapping Because It is More Profitable Than Mechanic Work
He stated, "Yes, we all acknowledge that Ndi Igbo are marginalized. As the former Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, I led the effort for equality in the nation with the support of other prominent traditional rulers in Igboland, rallying interest beyond our region to ensure fairness and equity. It's important to note that other minority groups are also facing similar challenges.
"Currently, I am a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Imo/Abia chapter. It is documented that some of our members have closed their businesses due to insecurity, and our people are the ones suffering the job losses."
He appealed for collective efforts to build and safeguard their homeland, urging against instilling fears and threats in their community.
Eze Ohiri clarified, "What I'm saying is that whatever the police claimed does not relate to my own incident. I was released by the grace of God and with the support of my family, community members, friends, and well-wishers."
He stated, "I was compelled into their vehicle amidst the intense struggle, but I thank God that nobody was harmed, even though they were armed with guns."
He recounted, "That was how it happened; thankfully, my cousin brother cleverly identified himself as my driver, and he was released. However, they blindfolded me and swiftly drove off to an undisclosed location."
The monarch described being initially held in an unfinished building before being relocated to another location. He emphasized the agonizing twelve days spent in captivity, stating that it was an incredibly challenging experience.
According to him, it initially appeared that the abductors had specific issues with traditional rulers and politicians. Fortunately, their leader intervened and instructed them not to harm him due to his decent reputation.
READ: Kidnapping Now Impossible to Stop in Nigeria - Wike
Eze shared that negotiations commenced between his associates and the kidnappers, leading to his eventual release after the payment of initial and subsequent ransoms.
He explained, "They transported me and another captive to Eziama-Obiato, a community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, during the night, after spending twelve days in their hideout. From there, I managed to return to Owerri at Control Post, where my people picked me up and brought me back to my palace."
The former Eze Imo characterized his abductors as hostile and cruel, highlighting the restrictions on communication unless permitted. He noted their strong resentment towards traditional rulers and politicians.
While requesting prayers, he expressed disappointment that some individuals harbor unrealistic expectations from traditional rulers, overlooking the fact that they are not policymakers responsible for formulating policies to advance the country.
READ: I Went Into Kidnapping Because It is More Profitable Than Mechanic Work
He stated, "Yes, we all acknowledge that Ndi Igbo are marginalized. As the former Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, I led the effort for equality in the nation with the support of other prominent traditional rulers in Igboland, rallying interest beyond our region to ensure fairness and equity. It's important to note that other minority groups are also facing similar challenges.
"Currently, I am a member of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Imo/Abia chapter. It is documented that some of our members have closed their businesses due to insecurity, and our people are the ones suffering the job losses."
He appealed for collective efforts to build and safeguard their homeland, urging against instilling fears and threats in their community.
Eze Ohiri clarified, "What I'm saying is that whatever the police claimed does not relate to my own incident. I was released by the grace of God and with the support of my family, community members, friends, and well-wishers."
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He added that the gang did not recognize him until they examined his phone and other documents in his possession.
Expressing gratitude to those who facilitated his release from the kidnappers' den, Eze Ohiri acknowledged that such an experience is not something one would wish upon anyone, even enemies.
He extended special thanks to the people of Obi-Orodo Autonomous Community, members of the clergy in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and friends across the nation and the international community for their demonstrations of love and support.
He added that the gang did not recognize him until they examined his phone and other documents in his possession.
Expressing gratitude to those who facilitated his release from the kidnappers' den, Eze Ohiri acknowledged that such an experience is not something one would wish upon anyone, even enemies.
He extended special thanks to the people of Obi-Orodo Autonomous Community, members of the clergy in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, and friends across the nation and the international community for their demonstrations of love and support.
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