Police kill three suspected killers of INEC staff, rescue wife in Abia forest

The police in Ebonyi have reportedly killed three of the suspected killers of Emmanuel Igwe, an electoral officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On June 18, Igwe was killed when some gunmen attacked him and his wife along the Ishiagu-Mpu road while returning from Anambra state.

His wife was abducted during the attack.

Confirming the news, Emmanuel Aja, chairman of Ivo LGA, said the police rescued Igwe’s wife and arrested eight of the suspects.

Aja said the suspected kidnappers were arrested at their hideout in Lokpanta, Umunochi LGA of Abia state.

He said efforts are being made to arrest the remaining those who fled during a gun duel with the police.

“The successful operation of the special squad of the anti-kidnapping unit of the Ebonyi command of the Nigeria police led to the arrest of no fewer than eight suspected killers of the INEC staff while three of the suspects were neutralised in the operation,” Aja said.

“The killers, suspected to be kidnappers who also abducted their victim’s wife, were arrested at their hideout in a forest at Lokpanta in Abia state on Saturday, June 24.

“Efforts are being intensified to apprehend the leader of the criminal gang, nicknamed ‘Alhaji’, who fled during the gun duel between the gang and the police.

“The suspected kidnappers are allegedly responsible for the various kidnappings and other criminal activities in the council area.”

The chairman, who expressed his administration’s commitment to rid the LGA of crimes, called on the people to always volunteer useful information to the police on the activities of hoodlums in their areas.

“Security is everyone’s business. When you see something, say something because, in that way, we will be several steps ahead of the criminals,” he added.

Also confirming the development, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Ebonyi police spokesperson, said the abducted woman was rescued unhurt in a thick forest.

“The woman, Mrs Charity Igwe, who was kidnapped while her husband was killed has regained freedom,” Onovwakpoyeya said.

“She was rescued in a forest at Lonkpanta community in Abia state and she is receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

“Investigation is still ongoing to fish out everyone in connection with the crime.”