From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Two kidnapped victims have been rescued from the hideouts of their hostage takers in Okuno community in Orogun, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State by security agents.
The victims were rescued during a gun duel with the suspected kidnappers which led to the death of one of the hoodlums.
Public Relations Officer of the state police command, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday, said his men in collaboration with local vigilance men and hunters acted on intelligence to storm the kidnapper’s den.
He said during fierce exchange of fire, “one of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped.
“One AK-47 rifle and eleven rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered.
“The two kidnapped victims (name withheld) were rescued unhurt and have been reunited with their families, while the injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment. Manhunt for the other fleeing suspects is ongoing.”
According to him, operatives of the Eagle Net Special Squad Surveillance arrested a 38-year old motorcycle rider, one Orji Timothy with weeds suspected to be Indian hemp along Ovirigor Road Ughelli during routine patrol.
“The operatives further extended their search to the suspect’s residence, where a locally made double barrel pistol with two live cartridges, 20 sachets of 100mg tramadol, one sachet of swinol, and two cutlasses were recovered. Investigation is ongoing,” he noted.
Edafe further confirmed the arrest of a 44-year old suspect, one Anthony Odumegwu, a native of Anambra State for attempting to steal a Daylong Motorcycle from one Mohammed Yusuf of Ekete Inland Waterside.
The police image maker said one English beretta pistol without a magazine was recovered from the suspect at the scene of crime.