Shock in Imo as police uncover decomposing body in kidnappers’ den

By Peter Okolie

Police operatives on hunt for kidnappers have uncovered a decomposing body at an abandoned livestock farm deep inside the Okuku-Agwa forest in Owerri-West Local Government Area (LGA) of the Imo state.

Spokesperson for Imo The command’s Spokesman, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued in Owerri on Friday.

According to Okoye, police discovered the operation in the forest was conducted on Nov. 5, in collaboration with the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit and local vigilance groups, marked a turning point in the fight against violent crimes across state.

According to him, the intelligence-driven operation, coordinated by ACP Oladimeji Odeyeyiwa, led to the recovery of a decomposed corpse from one of the hideouts of kidnappers raided by security operatives located in an abandoned livestock farm deep inside the Okuku-Agwa forest.

Subsequently, the scene was cordoned-off, and the body was carefully evacuated by operatives and taken to the morgue for further forensic examination.

He added that the Command’s Forensic Unit has taken samples of the corpse for DNA analysis to determine whether they correspond with that of Mr Jeffery Ucheagwu of Ihembos who was abducted on Oct. 14, at Site and Services, Umuguma, Owerri-West LGA.

He added that the dislodged hideouts had been placed under 24-hour close surveillance to prevent the criminals from regrouping and to aid further intelligence gathering on their activities.

He stated that the command had intensified efforts to apprehend members of the gang responsible for the abduction of Ucheagwu and ensure his possible rescue, “if he is still alive”.

Okoye quoted the Commissioner of Police, Mr Aboki Danjuma’s commendation to the operatives for their professionalism and gallantry.

According to him, Danjuma affirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety and security of all Imo residents.

He further appealed to members of the public to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of the command through the provision of timely and credible information that could aid ongoing investigations.

(NAN)