From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A suspected armed robber identified as Japhet, who has been on the wanted list of the police in Delta State, has met his waterloo.
The deceased suspect had sustained injuries during a shoot-out with police operatives at Camp 74, Anwai-Illah road, near Asaba, and died at the hospital where he was taken to for treatment.
Public Relations Officer of the state police command, DSP Bright Edafe confirmed the death of the suspect in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba.
Edafe said operatives of the command’s Rapid Response Squad were on surveillance patrol when they were attacked by some armed hoodlums.
He said the operatives quickly took cover and engaged the marauders in a serious gun battle thereby forcing them to a retreat.
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“However, in the ensuing gun duel, one of the suspects later identified as Japhet (surname unknown), who has been on the command’s wanted list for involvement in numerous attacks on police personnel, and killing of innocent persons, sustained gunshot injuries.
“He was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.
“One locally fabricated Beretta pistol with two 9mm live ammunition and one Qlink motorcycle with registration number WKP 270 QW abandoned by the other gang members were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing gang members is ongoing,” he stated.
Edafe also confirmed the arrest of a suspected motorcycle snatcher, one Isaac Dantala, who operates with a dagger within Okpanam town.
He said one motorcycle with registration number UDD 332 DH was recovered alongside the dagger.
According to him, another suspect, Precious Azuka was also arrested in Umunede with one locally cut-to-size gun.
The suspect, he said, was constituting nuisance and disturbing public peace at a hotel in the town before he was chased and apprehended by the police who acted on a distressed call from the hotel.