Arase, IGP

The Delta Police Command on Saturday confirmed the rescue of a 75-year-old grandmother, Madam Ogaraya Macauley, who was kidnapped from her farm.

She was kidnapped in Ezionu village of Ukwuani Local Government Area of the state by suspected hoodlums.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Celestina Kalu, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba.

According the statement, the old woman regained her freedom after a police patrol team intercepted the kidnappers' vehicle along the Kwale/Ogwashi-Uku road.

"On Sept. 18, 2015 at about 12.40 p.m., police operatives of the Dragon patrol team 23 while on routine patrol along Kwale/Ogwashi-uku road, suspected a M/Benz VBoot car with Reg. No. (Rivers) DW 357 PHC.

"The occupants on sighting the patrol team made a suspicious u-turn. Consequently, the patrol men gave the vehicle a hot pursuit which forced the two occupants to abandon the vehicle and escape into the bush.

"When the vehicle was searched, one Ogaraya Macaulay, female, aged 75 years, of Ezionu village in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta was found inside," it said.

It added that on interrogation, the old woman informed the policemen that she was kidnapped by the hoodlums while working in her farm.

The statement said some items recovered from the fleeing kidnappers included one locally-made gun, three live cartridges, some fetish charms and the said M/Benz, Reg. No. (Rivers) DW 357 PHC.

It stated further that preliminary inquiry conducted by the police revealed that the said vehicle was snatched from one Christopher Obukowho by the suspects along Ogume road.

The statement said the rescued victim had since rejoined her family, while the police had intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects.