Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have neutralised five suspected kidnappers during a shoot out.
Deputy spokesperson of the Command, Jennifer Iwegbu, who disclosed this in a statement, said an abducted victim, Innocent Achebe, 38, was rescued unhurt by the security personnel, and has since been reunited with his family.
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 vigilante 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 commended the gallantry of the operatives.
He promised the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders and law-abiding residents of the state, to “ensure a safe Edo now, and always.”
