From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Five suspected kidnappers have been shot dead in a gun duel with operatives of the Edo State Police Command.
Deputy spokesperson of the Command, Jennifer Iwegbu, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said an abducted victim, Innocent Achebe, 38, was rescued unhurt by the security personnel, and he had since been reunited with his family.
Besides, she said the command also recovered from the scene of the crime, two locally-made pistols, cartridges and charms, adding that the command was committed to ridding the state of violent crimes, especially kidnapping.
“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 explained.
She said the Edo Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, has hailed the show of gallantry exhibited by the security operatives and 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.