Police kill suspected kidnapper in Edo, rescue victim

Police operatives in Edo have killed a suspected kidnapper and rescued his victim in Egor area of the state.

In a statement on Tuesday, Moses Yamu, the state police spokesperson, said the suspect allegedly ambushed his victim, Iyobo Ighodaro, in his silver-coloured Mercedes Benz at gunpoint, and abducted him.

Yamu said one Valentine Igbinevbo reported the matter at the Ugbowo police station on September 15.

He said John Emmanuel, the divisional police officer, mobilised and led a surveillance team to track the suspects to their hideout in Egor, on the outskirts on Benin.

He said two suspects were negotiating for ransom using the victim’s phone when the operatives arrived at the hideout.

“On sighting the Police, a gun battle ensued and one male suspect, whose identity is yet unknown, sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“The second is believed to have narrowly escaped with gunshot injuries.

“The operatives recovered the said vehicle, one cut to size gun, one live cartridge, a cutlass and three phones.

“The victim was rescued unhurt, received medical attention and reunited with his loved ones while the corpse of the suspect was deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).“

The police spokesperson quoted Nemi Iwo, commissioner of police in the state, as commending the DPO and his operatives for their effort in combating crime.