Gov Mbah commends security forces over arrest of Affa Church kidnappers

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has lauded the state's intelligence and security agencies for apprehending three individuals linked to a notorious kidnapping gang. This gang was responsible for an attack on St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Inoyi-Affa, Udi LGA, on August 2, 2026. The successful operation, a joint effort by the Department of State Services (DSS), Army, Police, and the Enugu State Forest Guard, involved a gun battle that resulted in the death of one suspected gang member.

“

There was one fatality in this process. It was one of the criminals that died in the process of apprehending them. Usually, criminal elements will not want to be apprehended easily without a fight, but our people were ready, and we have one fatality, while the others are here now as you can see; and they will face the full wrath of the law

During the operation, security forces recovered four AK-47 rifles and a significant cache of ammunition. Governor Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, visited the DSS headquarters to see the arrested suspects. He confirmed that two of the three victims from the August 2 attack, Seminarian Lawrence Igbo and Mr. Emmanuel Onwudi, have been safely released and positively identified the apprehended men as their abductors.

“

We made it very clear that if criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business; that we will pursue you, we will make sure we bring you to justice, and that was why we put the robust security architecture across the state, working in collaboration with the security forces to ensure that Enugu is uncomfortable for anybody that plans criminality, and you’re seeing that very clearly.

The SSG, speaking on behalf of the governor, assured residents that the Mbah administration remains committed to prioritizing and investing in the security of lives and property. He stated that while one criminal died during the apprehension, the others would face the full extent of the law. "If criminality becomes your venture, Enugu State is not the location to do that business," he declared, emphasizing the state's robust security architecture designed to prevent crime and ensure swift justice.

“

We are intentional in investing in and organising our security architecture to prevent crime. But if there is a breach, you can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way

Governor Mbah issued a stern warning to citizens against colluding with criminal elements or acting as informants, vowing to pursue and prosecute anyone involved. He reiterated the government's dedication to maintaining a secure environment, stating, "You can run, but cannot hide for long. We must get you. You can’t commit these crimes in Enugu State and get away with it. No way." The governor also extended his gratitude to all collaborating security agencies for their bravery and cooperation.

“

We will find you also, just as we have found these people, and we will prosecute you as part of this evil operation and this evil syndicate. Wherever you are, know that investigation is ongoing and that this government will track you down, and you will pay for your crimes in planning havoc on our citizens. So wherever you are, we are still coming for you