60-year-old woman abducted by pastor found tied to tree in Enugu State

The police in Enugu State yesterday said it was commencing investigations over the alleged involvement of an Enugu-based pastor in the kidnap of a 60-year-old woman in Umuopu, Enugu Ezike, Igboeze north Local Council of the state.

The police in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), of the state command, Ebere Amaraizu, stated that the pastor, whose name was given as Solomon Ozioko, had allegedly abducted Esther Ogbu and took her to a big forest in the area, where he tied her to a tree.

He stated that Esther had spent 12 days in captivity before she was rescued by the police through intelligence information.

According to Amaraizu, “the self-acclaimed pastor, who is from Ovoko in Igbo Eze South, but residing at Umuopu Enugu Ezike, had allegedly on June 25 abducted the victim over a yet to be established reason, took her into a forest and tied her to a tree.

“It was gathered that the victim was inside the forest for 12 days before police operatives acting on intelligence information struck and rescued the victim and later rushed her to General Hospital Ogurute, where she is receiving medical attention.”

He said the pastor, who is now in police custody, would be prosecuted after thorough investigation.

Amaraizu also informed members of the public about some antics being adopted by hoodlums who at times present edible foods and drinks to unsuspecting persons in commercial buses, taxis and tricycles in a bid to dispossess them of their belongings.

He warned the public to desist from accepting such edibles while on transit, as some may have been poisoned and not good for consumption.