A brave Nigerian soldier who had rejected N50 million bribe from a kidnap kingpin, has explained why he had been confined to walking with crutches...READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.
The brave soldier, Amoke Gunshot Simeon, rejected the huge bribe from kidnap kingpin, Osisikankwu’, real name Obioma Nwankwo, whose team terrorised Aba and environs from 2008 to 2010 leading to the exodus of many people.
He was eventually arrested by the man he had offered the huge bribe, a feat that brought back peace to the region.
It is a sober moment as the brave soldier narrated his travails:
“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”.
However, it wasn’t encounters chasing the kidnap kingpin that confined him to crutches; it was rather the result of a vehicle accident he had while serving in the North East zone of the country, Amoke who hails from Nsukka, in Enugu State explained.
“It was actually a vehicle accident in the North East. But it was not managed well and it was not getting better”.
The icing to the Staff Sargent’s story manifested during a visit to Governor Alex Otti, at his country home, Umuehim Umuru Nvosi, in Isiala Ngwa South council area,
The governor offered him an all expenses trip overseas for medical attention
He was beside himself with joy that at least his gallantry was not forgotten. “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”, he said.
