Police kill 2 suspected kidnappers in Edo gun battle

Operatives of the Edo State Police command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at their hideout in the state at the weekend.

It was gathered that the suspects were killed at Ogwuweka forest, off the Benin-Auchi road in Uhunmwonde LGA of the state.

The command’s spokesman, Chidi Nwanbuzor, said the suspects were killed during an exchange of fire at their hideout.

He said the operatives police, during routine night patrol on the Auchi-Benin road, arrested Mohammed Umar, 23, and Bashir Saidu, 30, who led them to their camp in Ogwuweka forest.

“The arrested suspects led operatives to another hideout and operational camp at Power Line, by Urokhosa community, off Benin-Auchi road, but on sighting the police, the gang members engaged them in a gun battle, leading to the death of two members of the gang at the camp.

He said other members of the gang escaped into the bush and that the police were combing the area to arrest the fleeing gang members.

He said one AK49 rifle with 34 rounds of 9.9MM ammunition, two single-barrel guns with five live cartridges and a Golf car were seized. (Daily Trust)