Abia Police Rescue Four Chinese Expatriates Following Kidnapping, Two Expatriates and Police Escort Killed
Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have successfully rescued four Chinese expatriates who were kidnapped by gunmen in Uturu, Isuikwuato Local Government Area. However, the tragic ambush, which occurred on Friday evening, resulted in the deaths of two of the expatriates—Mr. Quan and Mr. Cai—as well as their police escort, Inspector Audu Saidu. The attackers also seized Inspector Saidu’s service rifle during the attack.
The expatriates were ambushed while en route to their company site at Agukwu-Amaya in the Ndundu community around 5:30 p.m. The kidnapping triggered a swift response from a combined team of security forces, led by the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Uturu Division. This joint operation, which involved the police, military, and other agencies, culminated in the successful rescue of four of the expatriates.
Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed that three of the rescued expatriates were unharmed, while one sustained injuries. In addition to the expatriates, Inspector Uba Ahmed was also rescued, though he suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. Both the officer and the injured expatriate are currently receiving medical treatment at FMC Abakaliki.
The Abia State Police Command’s tactical team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene as part of ongoing efforts to search for and apprehend the criminals. The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice and called on residents to remain vigilant. He urged the community to report any suspicious activities to the police.
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, also condemned the killings, describing the attack as an act of terrorism. He called on security agencies to intensify their efforts in tracking down the attackers. The governor promised to provide the necessary support to law enforcement to ensure that the criminals are caught and brought to justice.
Governor Otti also highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing security in the state, particularly by fostering cooperation with neighboring states to prevent criminals from infiltrating Abia. He extended his condolences to the Nigerian Police Force, the Chinese Embassy, and the families of the victims, praying for the souls of the deceased.
The tragic incident has drawn widespread condemnation and underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region.
