By Ugochukwu Alaribe, UMUAHIA
A soldier, Amoke Gunshot Simeon, served in Abia state during the days of the terror kingpin, ‘Osisikankwu’.
Osisikankwu’, whose real name is Obioma Nwankwo, was the leader of the kidnap gang that terrorised Aba and environs from 2008 to 2010. He held the town captive, kidnapping residents and visitors, leading to the exodus of people from Aba until he was arrested in 2010 by Amoke.
During a visit to Governor Alex Otti,at his country home, Umuehim Umuru Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South council area, the now injured soldier narrated how the Abia born kidnap kingpin, Osisikankwu, promised to pay him N50 million if he could allow him to continue to operate and continue with his terror activities around Aba and environs.
Amoke, a staff sergeant, who walks with the aid of crutches, following an auto accident he had while serving in the North East zone, said he and his colleagues chose to work for the peace and security of Abia state and declined to compromise their military oath.
The soldier, who hails from Nsukka, in Enugu State and served in Abia between 2010 to 2014, led the troops that ended the reign of the then dreaded ‘Osisikankwu’, in Aba, in 2010.
Otti, during the visit, offered to fly him overseas for medical attention, under the sponsorship of the state government to ensure he bounces back to good health.
The injured soldier then narrated how he and his colleagues ended the reign of the terror kingpin:
“I was on a general patrol in Abia State from Ngwa High School – Asa, from Asa – Onicha Ngwa, Ikot -Ekpene, almost everywhere in Abia State. That’s the full operation I was doing then.
“I was the officer they promised money. I was the officer they promised N50 million. They said I should name my price but I said no.
“The role given to my team in the military during the kidnap era in Abia, was to track kidnappers and criminals to make the state safe and peaceful.
“That was the task given to us. I was not serving in the 144 Battalion. I was brought to join them, to work with them from August 2010.
“But, when we executed the assignment and achieved the victory, eliminating Osisikankwu, and dislodging his terror group, the people were happy and celebrated. And today, Abia is safer and has peace than before,” Amoke said.
“So, that was what made the people of Abia State to celebrate me. Dr Alex Otti is a very good Governor. Meeting him is like sitting beside my father. He gave me a listening ear”.
Amoke noted that honesty actually pays and that he is a living proof of it.
“A good work pays. So, you can use mine as an example, that after my good work in Abia State, it’s paying me today.
“And it’s making way for me, giving me more joy and more happiness. If I had accepted what the criminals offered me then, today, I would not have a very good name in Abia State, I will not be treated well in Abia State. But today, I’m so proud and happy for Governor Otti and I thank him for remembering me.”
Auto crash
The soldier said that he was involved in a motor accident while in active duty in the North East, after serving in Abia State which left him with fractured legs.
Amoke, who appeared in crutches, accompanied by his care giver and some former colleagues, narrated his ordeal and commended the Governor for coming to his rescue and offering to fly him abroad for proper medical attention.
He said; “It was actually a vehicle accident in the North East. But it was not managed well and it was not getting better.
“I’m so happy and excited that Governor Otti can remember those who fought for Abia State. And being remembered, it will motivate the other military men in Abia State to know that whenever they are working, they should put the issue of money aside and do the job they were asked to do.
“So, Governor Otti has promised me that whatever it will cost, Abia State government will fund my treatment abroad and get me back on my feet. And I cannot stop being grateful to Abia state, I cannot stop thanking Abia state for remembering me through their very good Governor.”
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