The fishermen were reportedly kidnapped at Osama village in the Ogbolu local government area of Anambra by gunmen alleged to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Anambra State Police Command has asked the families of nine fishermen from Taraba State allegedly kidnapped in Anambra State to come forward with necessary information.
The fishermen were reportedly kidnapped at Osama village in the Ogbolu local government area of Anambra by gunmen alleged to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
It was earlier reported that the nine victims were abducted by the same gunmen who killed four victims while travelling from Taraba State to River Niger for their annual fishing activities.
LEADERSHIP quoted Sule Hussein, a relative of one of the nine kidnapped victims as saying, “Four of the fishermen were killed at the spot, nine of them were taken hostage last Monday, and we received calls from some people claiming to be IPOB members demanding ransom for the release of the nine fishermen.
“We demanded to speak with any of the nine fishermen to ensure that they are alive but the callers refused.
“We have not communicated with any of them five days after they were taken into the forest in a remote part of Anambra State. Some people are calling us to pay ransom but we declined because they refused to connect us with anyone of those being held to speak with him.”
Reacting to the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Sunday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, the state police command said it was shocked that a case of such magnitude trending online did not have any link with any police formation in the state.
The police spokesperson said, “Anambra State Police Command is aware of trending publications on the alleged incident of Nine fishermen kidnapped in Anambra, and the Command not wanting to join issues with anyone invites the relatives of the victims of the alleged incident to come forward and assist us with necessary information.
“This shall help us to embark on investigations and drive our decision on security deployment and strategy in the state to prevent such reoccurring if it is true.
“The Command expressed shock that a case of such magnitude trending online does not have any link with any Police Formation in the State and also noted the reactions of some alleged interested parties and persons, but is not discouraged by any comments, assuring Its readiness to deploy investigative assets and partner with any concerned body or interest to help for possible rescue.
“The Command reiterated its commitment to delivering on its mandate of the protection of lives and property, urges members of the public, especially the eyewitnesses or otherwise with any useful information in this regard are advised to call the Command Control Room at 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) at 08039334002, please.”