The Delta State Police Command has killed three suspected kidnappers during a gunfight following an attempted abduction in Uvwie.
The suspects had tried to kidnap the wife of a Delta State House of Assembly member on 2nd September 2024, at Okoloba Junction, Jakpa Road, resulting in the tragic deaths of two policemen and the lawmaker’s driver, Mr. David Imela.
In a statement made to PUNCH Metro on Sunday in Asaba, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident. “Following the failed kidnap attempt on the wife of a Delta State House of Assembly member, where the suspects murdered two mobile policemen and the driver, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, immediately ordered heightened security measures around Warri and neighboring areas, including roadblocks at strategic exit points,” Edafe stated.
Acting on these directives, officers from the Ebrumede Division, led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Iwok Ndifereke, set up a tactical roadblock at DSC Roundabout.
They soon identified a vehicle that matched the description of the suspects’ getaway car, including its registration number.
“Upon spotting the police, the suspects opened fire. The officers, exercising professional caution due to the busy area, returned fire.
The hoodlums, unable to sustain the attack, abandoned their bullet-riddled vehicle and fled with gunshot wounds.
Three AK-47 rifles and the vehicle with registration number WWR-436-GZ were recovered from the scene,” Edafe detailed.
Unwilling to let the assailants escape, CP Abaniwonda ordered an intensive search for the suspects. On 3rd October 2024, CSP Ndifereke led his team to the kidnappers’ hideout in Agbarho, where they engaged the suspects in another fierce gun battle.
Three of the suspects were fatally wounded in the exchange, while others managed to flee. A fourth AK-47 rifle was recovered from the scene.
The wounded suspects were taken to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The police have launched a manhunt for the remaining members of the gang.
CP Abaniwonda praised the bravery and dedication of the DPO and his team, urging other officers to emulate their professionalism in combating crime.
