Port Harcourt — The Joint Task Force in Rivers State yesterday rescued two ladies from Tai Local Government Area of the State after a prolonged shoot out with the suspected abductors one of whom died in the shoot out.

The rescue of the two ladies came on the heels of the release of the Finance Manager of Intels Logistics Company, Mr. Bertrand Ajoku, kidnapped September 25, 2008 in Port Harcourt by some unknown gunmen.

The freedom of the ladies and Ajoku coincided with the presentation of a bill by Leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon Chidi Lloyd seeking a penalty of life imprisonment for any one who kidnaps or takes another person hostage.

According to the Spokesman of JTF in the State, Lt. Colonel Sagir Musa, the two ladies were kidnapped and serially raped before information got to members of the Task Force on static duty prompting them to move against the hoodlums.

Musa said the hoodlums on sighting the troops which were combing the area for the ladies, opened fire on them resulting in the exchange of fire which subsequently led to the death of one of the kidnappers.

"The ladies were successfully rescued, one of the abductors was killed, one AK47 rifle with 12 rounds of ammunition also recovered. A soldier was however wounded in the encounter and is in stable condition", he said.

Later at the head office of the JTF at Bori Camp, Commander of the force, Brigadier General Sarkin Yaki-Bello handed the victims over to their parents who thanked him for the prompt response that led to the freedom of their wards.

The Task Force Spokesman also confirmed the release of Ajoku, adding that in keeping with the tradition and policy of JTF, no ransom was paid.

Sources said Ajoku on whose head the kidnappers had demanded for N500 million was finally let off by 2200hrs yesterday.

In presenting the Bill, Lloyd said it was imperative they pass the law to address the malady of kidnapping people and demanding for ransom which has scared investors from their state was an absolute necessity.

Worried by the incessant kidnapping in Rivers State and its numerous effects to the economy of the state, The Rivers State House of Assembly has presented a bill to prohibit the act of kidnapping in the state.

" A person who kidnap or abducts by any other means of instilling fear, or tricks, takes another person with the intent to demand ransom or compel another to do anything against his or her will commits an offence and is liable on conviction to life imprisonment without an option of fine", he submitted.

Some of the provisions of the law also prescribes 14 ears imprisonment without an option of fine for anyone whose premises or place he is in control of is used to keep hostages while anyone who threatens kill, injure or maim another person who wants to assist in the release of a kidnap victim would be liable to life imprisonment.

Contributors to the debate said the law was long overdue taking into consideration the damage kidnapping has done to the economy and life in the State.