By Abimbola Ogunnaike
Delta State Police Command has confirmed two suspected kidnappers-cum-armed robbers have been shot dead by its operatives from Ekpan Division in the State.
The suspects who sustained serious gunshot injuries died before they could be rushed to the hospital after a gun duel with the police.
Items recovered from the suspects include a locally made single barrel rifle, a locally made cut-to-size pistol, three expended cartridges, seven live cartridges and a native Amulet.
The suspects, it was gathered had been terrorising the Warri and Ekpan community in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Police Command confirmed the report in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe.
Edafe said policemen had acted on credible intelligence gathered by the DPO Ekpan Police station, CSP Rimamchirika Musa Bulus, “about a kidnapping and armed robbery gang who has been terrorizing Warri, Ekpan and environs.”
“One of the suspects was lured by police operatives into believing that he was discussing with a proposed buyer for one of the suspected stolen vehicles in their possession.
“The suspect, not knowing what was coming, led the police to their hideout at Ohorhe community along Sapele Effurun,” the command image-maker said.
“Upon arrival at the hideout, the suspects on sighting and noticing that they have been rounded by the Police engaged them in a serious gun duel. In the ensuing gun duel, two of the suspects were fatally wounded while others escaped. The suspects gave up the ghost before they could get to the hospital. [In the meantime] manhunt for the fleeing gang members is ongoing,” Edafe added.
