Delta Police have reported the killing of three suspected kidnappers involved in the attempted abduction of the wife of Austin Oruoye, a member of the State House of Assembly representing Warri South Constituency 1.
The incident occurred during a gunfight in Effurun, Uvwie LGA.
The command stated that the suspects succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during a confrontation with police operatives, led by the DPO of Ebrumede, at the kidnappers’ hideout in Agbarho town on October 3, 2024.
According to a statement released on Sunday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, officers also recovered four AK-47 rifles from the scene.
Recall that suspected kidnappers had ambushed Mrs. Oruoye in attempt to kidnap her and in the process killed two mobile policemen and the driver of the lawmaker’s wife at Okoloba Junction along Jakpa Road in Effurun.
Edafe said: “The Commissioner of Police CP 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 CSP Iwok Ndifereke 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 owning 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 no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.”
He 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 CSP Iwok Ndifereke 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.”