Attack on Soludo: Kidnapped Anambra Commissioner Regains Freedom

By Izunna Okafor

Anambra State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Engr. Emeka Ezenwanne who was kidnapped on Wednesday night has been released unhurt.

The Police Public Relation Officer in Anambra State, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu confirmed this to newsmen in a statement issued in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

It would be recalled that Commissioner Ezenwanne was kidnapped by gunmen who invaded the venue of an interactive session between the governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the November gubernatorial election in the State, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and youths of his community, Isuofia, in Aguata local government area.

The gunmen also killed three policemen before whisking away the commissioner who had scaled the fence in attempt to escape, but ran into them.

Confirming the Commissioner's release on Sunday, DSP Tochukwu said, "The Anambra State Police Command today 4th April, 2021, wishes to confirm to the members of the Public, especially Ndi Anambra the safety of Engr Emeka Ezenwanne, the State Commissioner for Public Utilities

"The Police, Military and Other Security Agencies had mounted intense search and rescue efforts, which had closed in on his abductors, thereby forcing his release. The Hon Commissioner returned home unhurt, in the early hours of today 4th April 2021."

The PPRO also confirmed the arrest of five suspects in connection with the Wednesday attack.

"The Police Command has arrested five suspects in connection with the incident and remains committed in apprehending the remaining gang members," he said.

Meanwhile, the state's Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Bala Kuryas, fsi, has called for calm and reiterated the Command’s commitment towards ensuring continued safety and security of Ndi Anambra and residents alike.