Former Imo State House of Assembly member, Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, has regained his freedom after being abducted by a notorious kidnapping gang in Okigwe.
Ogbu, who once represented the Okigwe State Constituency, was reportedly captured when he visited the group’s camp to plead for peace ahead of a family burial.
The gang, led by figures known as Gentle the Yahoo and his deputy Angel Make Up, released a video parading the former legislator and threatening to kill him unless security operatives were withdrawn from Okigwe.
Relief came when Nigerian Army troops stormed the kidnappers’ camp in Aku, Okigwe, rescuing Ogbu and at least 12 other captives alive.
Confirming the development, Imo State Police Command spokesperson Henry Okoye said Ogbu had been released on Thursday night.
“The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the release of Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, the former legislator who represented Okigwe state constituency. He was released yesterday night. The Command is working in synergy with other security agencies to ensure his abductors are apprehended and brought to book,” Okoye stated.
He assured the public of the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the state.
The daring rescue operation marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in Imo State, where insecurity linked to kidnapping and armed groups has continued to unsettle communities.
