The Police in Anambra State on Wednesday displayed the corpse of two kidnappers killed in an attack at Ichida Community in Anaocha local government area of Anambra.
While briefing the press, the newly posted Commissioner of Police in the State, Mr Aderemi Adeoye, said that security operatives also rescued a female victim unhurt in the attack which occured on Tuesday at 8:13p.m.
According to Adeoye, “Two members of a notorious gang were neutralised, and we recovered one Ak47 rifle, two pump action guns, two Ak47 magazine, 32 live ammunition and one highlander jeep belonging to the victim.
“Preliminary information reveals the deadly gang of Eight operating with two vehicles – a grey Highlander jeep and a white Lexus 350, abducted the victim in her Ash Highlander jeep.
“Investigation is ongoing to track the remaining gang members, ” he said.
Almost at the same time, he continued, there was another attack by 8:30 pm, on the joint security operatives attached to Forwarding Operating Base (FOB) while on patrol around Uga-Ezinifite road in Aguata Local council area.
In an attempt to stop an ash highlander jeep and a white Lexus 305 which drove suspiciously, he said, the occupants started shooting sparodically to escape police screening and the joint forces engaged the armed hoodlums, neutralised two of the gang members and recovered one operational vehicles, two automatic pump action guns, 11 live cartridges, and a bag containing one walkie-talkie.
“A cell phone, a bank ATM, and other incriminating items were also recovered, while others escape the scene with other vehicles.
“In an intense chase by the joint forces, the deadly gang abandon the white Lexus 305 jeep and took to their heels. Further Information shows evidence of blood stains on all the vehicles as they have escaped with bullet wounds,”he said.
Adeoye called on operators of public and private hospitals to admit but report anyone with a bullet wound or related injuries to the nearest Police Station.
He urged the media and
members of the public to support the efforts of the police to get the identities and locations of the hoodlums through provision of quality information.
Meanwhile, the Police Commissioner has assured hoodlums of hard times ahead and advised them to turn a new leaf.
On reported incessant robbery in Onitsha during evening times, Adeoye advised shop owners to form security Committees and collaborate with vigilante services to contain the situation.
On the alleged infiltration of hoodlums from neighbouring states, Adeoye said there is a collaboration among states with boundaries with Anambra State to contain the situation.