By Egbe Attah, Otukpo
The Homeland Defence Volunteers Front in Ado Local Government of Benue State, led by its Commander, Abraham Ochoga and the Utonkon Sub-Commander, Solomon Emiey in collaboration with youths of the area recenty rescued one Nkechi Nwankwo from the hands of kidnappers.
A statement signed by McJohnson Odey, Special Adviser on Security to Ado Council Chairman and made availabe to The Voice recently said the assailants numbering three, had abducted and attempted to elope with Nkechi on her way from the market into hiding for the obvious purpose of demanding a ransom.
The statement said that in a hot chase and exchange of gun fire, the abductors were overpowered by the Homeland Defence, supported by Operation Whirlstroke and the youths who had mobilized in their numbers to give support, lynched one of the kidnappers while the others escaped.
In another development, the Ado Council Chairman’s sustained collaboration with the Okada riders union and the vigilante led by Armstrong Oche of Apa ward has
yielded results with the arrest of the gang leader of a dreaded armed robbery group that have been terrorizing travellers, transporters and commuters on the Igumale – Agila Road, Mr Ogbu Ogaba Bekee.
Ogbu known popularly as Jayzee was arrested following intelligence gathering and has since been handed over to the police in Igumale where he is now cooling his heels while efforts to arrest other members of his gang are on.
Reacting to these developments, the Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government, James Oche said, the council, the youths, the vigilante and homeland defence in partnership with security agencies were taking the battle against criminality in Ado personal. He stressed that the era of lip service was over and that the people were taking their destinies into their own hands.
Oche said the people of Ado were equal to the task and reassured of government’s commitment to eradicating all forms of criminality in the area.