YOUTHS under the auspices of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council (OYC) has called for a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the new wave of kidnap incidents along Enugu-Ugwuogo Nike-Nsukka Road.
Commuters have been attacked frequently on the road in recent weeks, leading to the abduction of some persons, including students of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN).
However, there were allegations that the kidnappers have some insiders among security agencies manning various checkpoints on the road.
According to the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, information extracted from one of the victims showed that there was a chain of communication between the hoodlums and the security operatives manning various checkpoints on the road.
The National President of the OYC, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike told journalists in a statement on Saturday that all the security operatives on duty when the incidents took place should be probed.
He also accused the operatives of working with hoodlums from a particular ethnic group to create chaos in the state.
While describing the development as importation of insecurity into Enugu State to dent its peaceful status, Okwu said a victim of the kidnap incident narrated that “the police and the army are complicit in the act of kidnapping at the Opi-Ugwuogo axis.
“That the police at the checkpoints usually select expensive cars conveying persons who appear to have financial muscle. The police will pull over all such cars and ask them to move at once and the moment they move, the police will release a gunshot alerting the kidnappers to come out.
“That from the discussions between the kidnappers and some of the victims, it is clear that some of the kidnappers are serving soldiers.
“That the kidnappers are using AK-49 and berretta pistols.
“That most of the soldiers involved are imported into the state from Umuahia, Abia state.”
He said consequent upon these allegations, “we, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youths are demanding a re-organisation of security architecture in Enugu state. This entails a detailed redeployment of all security chiefs in the state.
“We call on the Inspector-General of Police and the Chief of Army Staff to open up an inquiry into the kidnap incidents recorded at that road. These allegations are too heavy and should not be swept under the carpet. They are not too different from the experience of the then Methodist Prelate, Most Rev. Samuel Kanu-Uche who was abducted in Abia state. We have the feeling that the same gang just relocated to Enugu state.
“We also demand the immediate rescue of all the hostages.
“The imported crime is nothing but a calculated attempt to destabilise Enugu state. This is why we call on Ndi Enugu to rise up, irrespective of political affiliation, and say no to this evil plot.
“Enugu remains the only peaceful state in the Southeast and that is the record they want to dent. We urge Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi not to be intimidated but to stand firm,” Okwu declared.