Former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Staff, Mrs Catherine Bassey has been rescued from suspected kidnappers in Cross River State.
CONVERSEER learned that Mrs Bassey who was kidnapped by unknown gunmen at her residence at 28 Mathias Oje Avenue in Calabar Municipality was rescued by the Police on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
According to a security source, the rescue operation was carried out by the Police tactical unit, Anti-Cultism and Kidnapping Squad (Dragon Squad) led by SP Chukwuma Ogini and officers from the Federal Housing Police Division.
The source also revealed that the operation was aided by youths from Nyahasang, adding that three suspects were arrested.
Confirming the news, SP Irene Ugbo, Police Spokesperson in the state said three suspects are in custody while one escaped.
Ugbo said the Dragon Squad swung into action following a distress call by the victim’s daughter.
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She said the team immediately commenced the chase and apprehended the kidnappers at Nyahasang where the community youths assisted by blocking the road.
According to the Police Spokesperson, “An uncontrollable mob comprising youths and other villagers gave them (suspects) various degrees of injuries as they were taken away by the Dragon Squad.
“We still want to state that no kidnapper or criminal will breathe well in Cross River – they must all leave our beloved peaceful state for good.”
Ugbo mentioned the items recovered to include a Toyota Highlander SUV belonging to the victim, a Toyota Corolla with no number plate belonging to the suspected kidnappers, a pump action, criminal charms and several others.