By Our Reporter
Police in Delta State have arrested two of their members for alleged complicity in the abduction of Prof. Kamene Okonjo, mother of Minister of Finance Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The two policemen were supposed to be on duty in the Ogwashiukwu residence of the Okonjos at the time of the abduction.
The State’s Police Commissioner, Ikechwu Aduba, urged Nigerian to trust in ability of the Police to rescue the abductees.
“For those who believe in the force, we have always rescued their victims unhurt without the payment of ransom. A case in point is the son of the SSG who was rescued without ransom and several other cases.
“We cannot cover up anybody; investigations were carried out and the two police officers who were supposed to be on duty are now in detention,’’ he said.
Aduba said that there were usually insiders in every kidnapping and bank robbery, among others.
He said the police had strengthened its artillery, which led to the arrest of 20 armed kidnapers in the past few days.
“For me, we have been doing our best, the state criminal investigation and the State Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) have been able to round up 20 kidnappers of four separate gang.
“We rescued some victims yesterday at Akukwu-Igbo in Oshimili North Local Government Area.
“Also Thursday last week, we intercepted a gang of kidnappers that were heading toward Ogwashi-Uku and we recovered their guns.
“There is a 24-hour patrol in this state and within five minutes of getting distress a call we are there, the kidnap of the Queen is an unfortunate incident,’’ Aduba said.
The police had earlier arrested a suspect, who had just left the palace when the hoodlums stormed the place and kidnapped Mrs. Okonjo.
The commissioner reiterated that those with “hostage value’’ should be very careful and watch their backs. He advised them to endeavour to report any suspicious movement around them.
He said that security was the responsibility of all, not only for the police force.
The abductors reportedly made contacts with the family on Monday, but he exact details of what transpired bween the family and the abductors were unknown at press time.
“Around lunch time on Sunday, some gunmen came to the compound and forced the gate open and took my mother away. The family is upset and traumatised,” the minister’s younger brother, Onyema Okonjo, told Reuters at the house.
“To abduct a grandmother more than 80 years old is sad. We appeal to them to release her as soon as possible because her health condition is not good,” Onyema added.