No fewer than 30 suspects have been arrested by joint security task force in the boundary area bordering Nkwerre Uda in Orsu LGA of Imo state and Lilu in Ihiala LGA of Anambra state.
The suspects were arrested for alleged connection to kidnapping and acts of cannibalism.
One of the traditional rulers who was kidnapped in Okigwe Local Government Area on Sunday, Eze Acho Ndukwe of Ihube Autonomous Community, was also rescued during the raid.
The leader of the operation told newsmen that they stormed the camp of the hoodlums around 1am on Monday and were met with horrible sights.
“When we entered the village, we noticed that locals have abandoned the village and the hoodlum have taken over the community and carved out swaths of land in which they operate undisturbed.
“We saw many vehicles which are apparently vehicles of kidnap victims.We saw a lot of decapitated bodies, and the most shocking part were the signs of cannibalism; we saw human parts being roasted on the fire and we have reason to believe the criminals in that camp were practicing cannibalism.”
Commending the security forces, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo praised the operatives once again for reassuring Imo people of a peaceful Christmas celebration.
He noted that it had been a thing of worry, how an entire council area will be abandoned to bandits.
“It is now clear that this is a clear case of criminality and banditry. They are just criminals and cannibals who have no future, whose only stock in trade is killing, roasting and eating people. There is no other way of handling this other than to let the law take its course.”