By Adadareporters
Two suspected kidnappers terrorising Nekede in Imo State have been killed, the state police command said Thursday.
The operation was carried out by operatives of Nekede police division, ASP Henry Okoye, the state police public relations officer, said.
According to him, the killing followed a distress call received on 29/08/2023 at about 1230hrs, from a good samaritan that he sighted hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons attacking a young man along Umuezorokam-Avu in Owerri West LGA with a machete in an attempt to kidnap him.
He stated that, “The DPO in charge of the division swiftly mobilized his men and stormed the scene with the assistance of local vigilantes.
“The hoodlums, on sighting the police, opened fire but were overwhelmed by the ever-gallant operatives. In the ensuing gun duel, two of the criminal syndicates were neutralized while others escaped to the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
“On searching the neutralized hoodlums, one locally made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms were recovered in their possession. The victim was rescued with a deep machete cut on his hand and other parts of his body, and was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Center, Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention while the lifeless bodies of the neutralized hoodlums have been deposited at the morgue for preservation.”
The state commissioner of police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, commended the operatives, adding that ‘there will be no hiding place for criminal elements across the length and breadth of Imo State.
He called on the residents to reach the command on via 08034773600 or 08098880197 in case of emergency.
