By Isaac Mission
Joint security operatives in Enugu State have rescued one of three people abducted during an attack on a church in Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area, while efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining two victims.
The abduction occurred in the early hours of Sunday at a church located in the Inoyi area of the community when armed men reportedly invaded the premises and whisked away three worshippers.
In response to the incident, a combined team of police officers, Forest Guards, and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group immediately launched a coordinated rescue operation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, security personnel pursued the fleeing kidnappers, forcing them to abandon one of the captives, who was rescued unharmed. However, the suspects managed to escape with the other two victims.
Following the development, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, ordered the Area Commander in Oji River and the Commander of the State's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to intensify the rescue mission and ensure the safe return of the remaining victims while bringing the kidnappers to justice.
The police commissioner also directed the State Intelligence Department (SID) to strengthen intelligence gathering through both human and technical sources to support the ongoing operation. In addition, the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre has activated its surveillance technology to assist security personnel in tracking the suspects.
Giwa appealed to residents to remain calm and continue supporting security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue effort. He assured the public that every available operational resource is being deployed to secure the freedom of the remaining victims and apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Security agencies have maintained that the search operation remains active as efforts continue to ensure the safe rescue of the two abducted victims.
