Troops foil kidnap of Catholic Bishop in Imo

An attempt to rob and kidnap the Catholic Bishop of Orlu, Most Rev. Augustine Ukwuoma, at the Diocesan Secretariat along BSC Road, Orlu in Imo State was on Sunday foiled by the troops conducting Exercise GOLDEN DAWN Sector 3.

Brig.-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations, said the troops will continue to frustrate the actions of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN).

“The troops in response to a distress call at about 2:30a.m. on Sunday, swiftly moved to the scene forcing the assailants to take to their heels thereby abandoning their mission. The Bishop, his Secretary and Assistant Secretary are safe and unhurt.

“Troops will continue to deny freedom of action to members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN and other criminal gangs operating within the sector, especially as the elections in Anambra State draws nearer and during the yuletide season,” Nwachukwu said.

The Nigerian Army advised members of the public to report suspicious movement of criminals as well as hideouts of the outlawed IPOB/ESN to law enforcement agencies as the group is only out to intimidate, steal and kidnap law-abiding citizens for ransom.