The Delta State Police Command at the weekend foiled an attempt by a group of notorious kidnapping gang in Asaba to abduct a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Umeh who were on the way to night vigil church service.
According the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed Zanna, the kidnappers met their death when after the arrest of a batch of the group; a patrol team which was sent to comb their hideout came under fire from other gang members.
In the ensuing exchange of fire, three gang members were fatally injured. They were thereafter rushed to the hospital. But before treatment could be administered on them, they gave up the ghost.
A statement from the CP’s office entitled, ‘Foiled Kidnap/Arrest/Death of Confessed Kidnappers’ said, “On Friday 19th of May, at about 10.30 pm, a team of Police Officers attached to Okpanam division, Asaba, while on night patrol, with assistance of Okpanam Vigilante, foiled an attempt to kidnap Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Umeh.
Read Also:
- Anambra Police Nabs 2 Suspects, Recover Large Quantity of Gunpowder Concealed in Bag of Garri & One Locally-Made Pistol, Live Ammunition
- MNJTF Force Commander visits Front Line Troops in Mallam Fatori, Commends Them for Bravery, Resilience
- CDS Attends Graduation & Badging Ceremony of DHQ Special Operations Forces; Task Them on Neutrality in Tackling Security Challenges
The kidnap attempt occurred opposite Asaba Airport area, by Vanguard Media office. The couple was on their way to Church for night vigil serve.
One of the suspect’s arrested was identified as Isah by two other suspected members of the gang already in arrested by the police. They are Haruna Umar and Adamu Mohammed.
The suspects confessed to be members of a gang of kidnappers that operate within Okpanam/Asaba axis.
Following their confession, the suspects were asked to take members of the State Police Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKCCS), led by Inspector Celestine Beye to their hideout for possible arrest and recovery of arms on Saturday.
On getting to the hideout, at about 4.30pm, the police team was attacked by gunfire from other gang members. Three members of their gang were fatally injured. They were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba for treatment and were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The Delta State Police Commissioner seized the opportunity to warn criminals making life unbearable for the good people of the state to turn a new leaf as the police would eventually catch up with them.
END
