Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Musa, who spoke on behalf of the other heads of security agencies in the state, said “the perpetrators are purely kidnappers.”
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Thursday, led the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Umar Musa on a strategic assessment of the area where some students of the University of Nigeria and some others were abducted on Sunday.
They also visited Ugwuogo-Nike-Opi-Nsukka Road, where there have been abductions carried out by criminals suspected to be herders.
Joined in the visit were the police commissioner, CP Ahmed Ammani, state Director of Department of State Services (DSS) H.M Daluwa, Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig. Gen. M.K Ibrahim, among others.
Addressing newsmen during the on-the-spot assessment visit, the GOC, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Musa, who spoke on behalf of the other heads of security agencies in the state, said “the perpetrators are purely kidnappers.”
He assured the public that the combined team of security agencies will go into the bush to apprehend the perpetrators, rescue the victims and end the menace along the road.
“I assure you that we are going to go deep into the bush to pursue them and ensure they do not perpetrate more harm along the road,” he said.
Acknowledging the presence of Ugwuanyi on the visit and his utmost commitment towards ending the security challenges being posed by the hoodlums along the Ugwogo-Opi road, the GOC assured the public that “these criminals will be fished out and they will be dealt with.”
Maj. Gen. Musa advised members of the public to report to the security agencies whenever there is any incident rather than rushing to social media. According to him, “news items on social media platforms are usually unconfirmed incidents and could send the wrong notion to the public.”
The GOC maintained that Enugu remains a peaceful state notwithstanding the unfortunate incidents along Ugwogo-Opi Road, saying: “We are here; we have seen the deployment; this state is peaceful but once in a while you have criminals and I assure you that these criminals will be fished out and they will be dealt with.”
Earlier, Ugwuanyi visited the GOC 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in his office in Enugu where they met behind closed doors before they embarked on the assessment visit to Ugwogo-Opi Road with other heads of security agencies.
SaharaReporters had reported that gunmen suspected to be herdsmen attacked and kidnapped no fewer than 15 passengers including students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka on Sunday.
It was also gathered that a former Secretary to the State Government, Mr Dan Shere was kidnapped along with the students and other victims.
The hoodlums have demanded a ransom of N300 million from the families of the victims.