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A joint security team has rescued one of three worshippers abducted by armed men during an attack on a Catholic Church in Inoyi, Affa Community, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, while efforts continue to free the remaining victims.
The operation, involving police operatives, Forest Guards and members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, was launched shortly after the early Sunday attack. As security personnel closed in on the fleeing kidnappers, the suspects abandoned one of the captives, who was rescued unharmed, but escaped with two others.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in Enugu State, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who said the rescue operation remains ongoing.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, has directed the Area Commander, Oji-River, and the Head of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit to intensify efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims and arrest the perpetrators.
The commissioner also instructed the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department to generate actionable human and technical intelligence, while the Enugu State Command-and-Control Centre has been activated to strengthen surveillance and support the rescue mission.
The police appealed to residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist the operation, assuring the public that all available resources are being deployed to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims and bring those responsible for the attack to justice.
