Security Forces Arrest Three Suspects After Enugu Church Attack

Security agencies in Enugu State have arrested three suspects linked to the August 2 attack on St Joseph Catholic Church, Inoyi-Affa, in Udi Local Government Area.

The new development comes after NaijaTrend earlier reported the abduction of a seminarian and worshippers from the church here. State officials said two abducted victims, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Emmanuel Onwudi, have been freed.

Punch and Vanguard reported that the arrests followed a joint operation involving the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, police, the Enugu State Forest Guard and other security personnel. Daily Trust also reported the same operation, describing the arrest of a suspected kidnap syndicate commander in Enugu.

The reports said security forces recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of ammunition. Vanguard also reported that ransom money used as part of the operation was recovered.

Governor Peter Mbah, represented by Secretary to the State Government Chidiebere Onyia, said one suspect died during the operation. The state government said the freed victims identified the arrested suspects as part of the group involved in the church attack.

Sources: Punch, Vanguard, Daily Trust