By Augustine Ehikioya
Attempt to Kidnap, Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma and rob the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC Road, Orlu, Imo State have been foiled by troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3.
The troops, in the early hours of Sunday had moved to the scene after receiving a distress call about the incident.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, and made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
The statement said “Troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3 have foiled an attempted kidnap and robbery of Most Reverend Augustine Ukwuoma at the Orlu Diocesan Catholic Secretariat, BSC Road, Orlu Imo State.
“The troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30am on Sunday 31 October, 2021, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission.”
According to the statement, the Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary are safe and unhurt.
Troops, the statement said, 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.”
It also urged members of the public to report suspicious movement of criminals and hide outs 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.”