Segun Atanda/
Two bandits were shot dead and one detective injured in gun battle, as the police in Abia State stormed a kidnappers den to set the Managing Director of Mba Hotels, in Aba, free.
According to the state Commissioner of Police (CP) Adeleye Oyebade, the dead suspects were members of a 4-man armed-kidnap syndicate that was terrorizing Aba and its environs.
He said that the gang was smashed by detectives attached to Omoba Division yesterday, at Ovungwu, Isiala-Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.
A statement issued by Abia police spokesman, DSP Geoffrey Ogbonna, gave more details on how the gang was smashed.
The statement reads in part: “The syndicate had on 18th July, 2017, in Osisioma Ngwa abducted one Onyemaechi Mbamaonyeukwu Ijeoma, the Managing Director of Mba Hotels, Aba, in his ash colour Nissan Infinity Jeep with Reg. No. GWA 807 DH and held him hostage in an uncompleted building at Umuajuju Ovungwu, Isiala Ngwa South LGA while negotiating for ransom.
“On a tip off, the Detectives led by their DPO, swooped on the hoodlums’ den where the gang opened fire on sighting them. During a shootout, two of the kidnappers later identified as Nwadibia and Monday were gunned down while others escaped with bullet wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt and one of the detectives sustained some injuries.
“Items recovered included the victim’s Nissan Infinity Jeep, two motorcycles and four GSM phones. The injured detective is responding to treatment; victim reunited with his family and manhunt for the fleeing members of the gang continues.
“Members of the public are enjoined to volunteer information to the Police or any other Security Agency on anyone found with bullet wounds, please.”
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