OPERATIVES of the Delta State Police Command have gunned down three members of a gang involved in the attempted kidnap of Mrs. Christy Uroye, wife of a member of the Delta State Assembly, representing Warri South 1 Constituency, Mr. Augustine Uroye, on Jakpa Road in Uwvie, Uwvie Local Council of the state.
A statement on Sunday, October 6 by the Command’s spokesman, Mr. Bright Edafe (SP), said the suspects, who were earlier traced to a hideout at Agbarho, engaged the operatives in a gun duel, during which they sustained injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to the statement: “Following the failed attempted kidnap of the wife of one of the members of Delta State House of Assembly on 2nd of September 2024 at Okoloba Junction Jakpa Road, Uvwie LGA, where the suspected kidnappers murdered two mobile policemen and the driver, Mr. David Imela, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered water-tight deployment around Warri and environs, as well as narrowing the roads and blockage of all exit points.
“It didn’t take long, as Police operatives of Ebrumede Division, led by the DPO, Iwok Ndifereke (CSP), strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at DSC Roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.
“On noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team, which the team equally responded professionally, due to the busy nature of the area.
“The hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle, shattered with bullets, and escaped with bullet injuries. Three (3) AK-47 rifles and their operational vehicle, with registration number WWR-436-GZ, were recovered.”
It added: “The CP, not satisfied with their escape, directed that the DPO Ebrumede should go all out and ensure the suspects were arrested and brought to book.
“Armed with available information and exhibit found in the abandoned vehicle, on 3rd October 2024, the DPO Ebrumede Division led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho, where the Police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel and the policemen, who were prepared for the battle ahead, overpowered the hoodlums.
“Three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while other escaped and another AK-47 rifle was also recovered. The suspects were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead. Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.”
Recall that the abducted lawmaker’s wife managed to escape from her abductors when the gang’s operational vehicle was abandoned as they were fleeing and was rushed to an undisclosed medical facility.
But two policemen guarding the victim and driver of the SUV in which they were travelling were killed on the spot.
