Police Rescue Reverend Father in Anambra; Arrest Suspects in Bauchi Boy’s Tragic Death
In a swift and coordinated operation, a Joint Security Team comprising the Police, Military, Civil Defence, and local vigilante groups successfully rescued Reverend Father Stephen Echezona, who had been abducted in Ichida, Anambra State. The priest was found unharmed, and authorities recovered a white Lexus SUV used by the kidnappers during the operation.
This rescue coincides with the arrest of four suspects in Bauchi State linked to the kidnapping and tragic death of 6-year-old Shuaibu Safiyanu in Sade village, Darazo Local Government Area.
According to a statement from Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police (SP) Tochukwu Ikenga, the abduction took place at a fuel station in Ichida. Armed criminals, operating in a white Lexus SUV without a license plate, engaged in a gunfight with the Joint Security Team. Overpowered by the superior firepower of the security operatives, the assailants abandoned their vehicle and fled the scene, taking Reverend Father Echezona hostage.
The security team promptly launched a pursuit, alerting checkpoints and operatives across the state. This coordinated effort forced the criminals to abandon the priest in Ihiala and escape into a nearby bush. The priest was successfully rescued unharmed, and the white Lexus SUV used by the assailants was recovered.
SP Ikenga confirmed that the Joint Security Team has taken control of the scene in Ihiala to track down the fleeing criminals and recover Reverend Father Echezona’s Toyota Highlander, which was taken during the abduction.
“Further developments will be communicated as the operation progresses,” SP Ikenga stated, urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
The successful rescue operation underscores the effectiveness of collaborative efforts among security agencies in Anambra State and their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents.
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Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and tragic death of 6-year-old Shuaibu Safiyanu. The suspects, identified as Rabi’u Muhammadu, Samson Ozoichikel, Muhammad Sani (alias Jingi), and Musa Usman (alias Kala), are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The incident unfolded on March 20, 2025, when Safiyanu Abdullahi, a resident of Sade village, reported his son Shuaibu’s disappearance to the Village Head, Musa Isah. Later that day, Abdullahi received a ransom demand of ₦3,000,000 from an unknown caller, which was subsequently lowered to ₦200,000. Tragically, the boy’s body was discovered on March 21, 2025, in a nearby bush, tied with a rope around his neck. The remains were taken to the General Hospital, where a medical exam confirmed his death. The body was later released to the family for burial according to Islamic rites.
Responding promptly to the report, detectives from the Darazo Divisional Police Headquarters launched a thorough investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of Rabi’u Muhammadu, a 23-year-old from Leka village, who was found in possession of the phone number and bank account details used for ransom demands. During interrogation, he identified 35-year-old Samson Ozoichikel from Sade village as the mastermind behind the kidnapping and also implicated two others: 25-year-old Muhammad Sani and 30-year-old Musa Usman, both from Leka village.
The Commissioner of Police for Bauchi State has assured the public that the Command is committed to ensuring justice is served in this heartbreaking case. The investigation has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further examination.
CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Bauchi State Command, reiterated the Command’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties of all citizens. “We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and remain steadfast in our resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice,” he stated.
By PRNigeria
