Channels TV’s Imo reporter rescued from kidnappers’ den

After two days in captivity, the Imo State correspondent of Channels TV, Mr. Temitope Kutiyi, has been rescued.
The state Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, confirmed this in a statement yesterday.

Temitope was abducted by some gunmen at his residence at Federal Housing, World Bank area, on the outskirts of Owerri metropolis at about 3.00a.m. on Monday.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Andrew Enwerem, and made available to The Guardian, it said: “Following the kidnap of Channels TV correspondent, Temitope Kutiyi, on the wee hours of Monday April 11, 2016, the Commissioner of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, led a team of over 100 operatives of the command for rescue operation.

“In an ‘Operation Bush-Combing,’ the team of operatives moved to Ohoba in Ohaji/Egbema local council, where intelligence report revealed that the victim was held in captivity.

“After a three-hour search operation in the village and adjoining forests, the kidnappers were under pressure to release the victim, who was subsequently rescued unhurt on Tuesday April 12, 2016.”

The statement added that the suspects involved in the kidnap have been identified and are on the run. “Intensive investigation is in progress to ensure the arrest of the suspects and subsequent prosecution.”

Meanwhile, the abductors, who spoke with a friend of the victim, had earlier demanded a ransom of N15 million. It is, however, not clear if the said amount was paid to secure the journalist’s release.