In a disturbing incident in Delta State, a man who was kidnapped and forced to pay a ransom of ₦2 million was still shot in the leg by his abductors simply because he did not have more money in his bank account.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed on Thursday that three suspected kidnappers have been arrested in connection with the crime. The suspects, identified as Chukwuebuka Nka, Uche Okechukwu, and Somto Chukwuma, reportedly confessed to collecting ₦2 million from the victim but shot him anyway, claiming they were angry about the “insufficient balance” in his bank account.
Police spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, said the case began with a distress call reporting the abduction of a young man from his residence in Ogwashi-Uku, a town in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.
Following the report, police operatives swung into action and traced the kidnappers to a bush in Ogwashi-Uku, where the victim was found and rescued — but not before the attackers had shot him in the leg. The victim, whose name was not disclosed, was immediately taken for medical treatment.
According to DSP Edafe, further investigation led to the arrest of two of the suspects — Chukwuebuka Nka and Uche Okechukwu — in neighbouring Anambra State. During the operation, the victim’s stolen white Toyota Venza was also recovered.
Following their confession, the third suspect, Somto Chukwuma, was arrested in a follow-up operation at Agidiase village, Ogwashi-Uku. The suspects later led police to their hideout, where the officers recovered their operational vehicle and a network jammer circuit device used to block communication during the crime.
“It is both shocking and heartless that after collecting such a large amount, they still went ahead to harm the victim because he didn’t have more money. It shows how cruel these criminals can be,” DSP Edafe said.
He assured the public that the police will continue to track and dismantle criminal networks across the state. He also praised the swift response of officers involved in the rescue and arrests.
This incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of the South-South region. Experts and community leaders continue to call for improved security, intelligence gathering, and faster response times to prevent such cases.
