TELL Magazine

As the Edo State Police Command intensified its onslaught against dare-devil kidnappers terrorising the state, five suspected kidnappers have been shot dead in a gun battle. A kidnap victim, Innocent Achebe, 38, was said to have been rescued unhurt by the security agents, and had since been reunited with his family. The police claimed two locally-made pistols, cartridges, and charms were recovered from the scene of the crime.

Deputy spokesperson of the Command, Jennifer Iwegbu, assistant superintendent of police, ASP, made the disclosure on Monday in an online statement. She said the command was committed to ridding the state of violent crimes, especially kidnapping.

According to Iwegbu, “The feat was achieved following credible information at the command’s disposal that hoodlums, suspected to be kidnappers, were operating in Ughoshi-Afe bush, Ibillo, in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State (in Edo North Senatorial District). On receipt of the information, the command immediately mobilised its tactical team’s operatives from the Ibillo sector, in collaboration with vigilance members and hunters, to the scene.

“The kidnappers, on sighting the operatives, opened fire on them, which led to a gun duel that left five of the kidnappers fatally injured, and were later confirmed dead.”

Iwegbu also quoted Edo Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, as hailing the show of gallantry exhibited by the security operatives, adding that he promised that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and law-abiding residents of the state, to ensure a safe Edo now, and always.