Kidnappers asked me to make my last phone call, rescued Anambra woman recounts

A mother of four children, Mrs Ugochukwu Chikelue, has narrated how operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service (NHFSS) rescued her after she was kidnapped last Friday, tied up, and ready for slaughter.

The mother of four, who hails from Umueri in Anambra East local government, narrated her ordeal in the hands of her captors, saying she saw death as her kidnappers tied her hands and legs before taking her to a certain river bank, where she was asked to make her last phone call to determine whether she would continue to live or be thrown into the river to die.

Mrs Chikelue, who shared her ugly experience in the hands of her captors, however, said she was shocked when suddenly the kidnappers abandoned her and took to their heels, adding that, seconds later, she was surrounded by operatives of the NHFSS who took her to safety.

The freed woman also mentioned the name of the Deputy Commander General of the NHFSS (Special Service), Dr John Metchie, whom she said was behind the intervention that led to her rescue.

Asked to explain the role played by Metchie, who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates, IAWPA, Mrs. Ugochukwu Chikelue said she does not have details but said she was told by the NHFSS operatives that it was Metchie’s intervention that saved her.
Reacting to the development, Dr John Metchie, who is also the Prime Minister of the Anambra State Association of Town Unions, ASATU, said he had to intervene when intelligence got to him that a woman from his community was in the hands of criminals.

In a statement Monday, which was signed by his media office, Metchie said he received intelligence about the woman’s ordeal, and being the President General of the Umueri Community, he had to take immediate action by activating all security channels available.

“Immediately after I got the intelligence information, I had to activate all available security channels. We had to alert the police, the army, the DSS, and other relevant agencies and stakeholders.

“I also called Abuja to inform my boss, the Commander General of NHFSS, Amb. Joshua Osatimehin. Following his instructions, we had to quickly mobilise NHFSS operatives in the state to move to the area. The rest is history.

“It was a swift operation that paid off quickly, as the woman was rescued within record time and reconnected with her family,” Metchie said.

Metchie, who declined to answer questions on whether any ransom was paid to the kidnappers, also thanked the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their prompt response and readiness to take proactive action to rescue the kidnapped woman.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

How I helped Peter Obi overcome impeachment plot as Anambra governor — Sowore

Self-styled human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has revealed an age-long secret about Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate in…

Yuletides: Low-key Christmas looms as poultry birds price rise than last years’

In less than 10 days to Christmas, the price of poultry birds in Ibadan is projected to be higher than last year mostly because of…

Comedian Mark Angel apologises over Emanuella’s viral dance video

Nigerian comedian Mark Angel has issued an apology following the circulation of a viral video featuring his…

I learnt about the use of human head for money rituals on Facebook —Man who beheaded OAU student in Abeokuta

A 35-year-old suspect, Akeem, who was arrested by detectives in Ogun State Police Command after…

Top 13 facts about Buhari at 81

As he marks his 81st birthday on Sunday December 17th, roughly six months after the completion of his two terms as…

CAF crowns Nigeria’s Osimhen African Player of the Year