Police arrest 4 suspected kidnappers

The police have arrested four suspected kidnappers at their rented residence at Ntranoa, near Ankaful, in Cape Coast.

One suspect, who allegedly disguised himself and entered a mosque, has reportedly been killed, while two others, including their supposed leader, believed to be in his 60s, are, however, on the run.

The police are said to have rescued some victims, all in their 20s, and taken them to the hospital following the Wednesday evening operation.

Information gathered by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) from residents of Ntranoa suggested that the suspected kidnappers lured their victims from Accra and other parts of the country with the promise of job opportunities and camped them at their fenced apartments for unlawful purposes.

Some residents told the GNA that they noticed the presence of the suspects, believed to be francophone nationals, in the community about two months ago.

However, their decent disposition did not give them away as being involved in any illegal activities, such as trafficking or ritual activities.

Some residents said that on Wednesday afternoon, at about 1 p.m., one of the victims managed to escape and called for help from others.

The matter was reported to personnel of the Regional Police Headquarters, whose timely intervention saved two of the suspects from being lynched by members of the community.

One of them, who also attempted to escape, was reportedly caught and beaten at Atrokwa before he was handed over to the police.

Later in the evening, a female suspect, who identified herself as the cook for the suspects, was also arrested.

The police reportedly retrieved talismans, knives, and other implements from the apartment.

The victims were put on a bus with their luggage and mattresses.

The police declined to comment on the issue when contacted by the GNA.