Two killed, others injured in police, kidnappers’ gun battle

Two kidnap suspects were killed yesterday in Anambra State during a gun battle with members of the Anambra State Anti-robbery Squad (SARS).

The other suspects escaped with bullet wounds.

The police also recovered items including one locally made barrel pistol with two live cartridges, one- cut- to- size single barrel gun, one XQ 1000 GSM handset belonging to the victim and one Q-link motorcycle were recovered.

Briefing reporters yesterday in Awka, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nkeiruka Nwode, said the 32-year-old victim, Nnamdi Ibru, was rescued.

She said the suspects had demanded a ransom of N20 millioN from the victim’s family before the police got the information through intelligence report.

Nwode said the victim was kidnapped on October 11 in a filling station in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area by a gang of four men.

She further stated the shoot-out ensued when the policemen noticed being trailed by the hoodlums who opened fire on them.

During the gun duel, two of the suspects were killed while others escaped with bullet wounds, adding the state command was still on their trail.

According to Nwode: “The police command wishes to advise all parents and guardians to take care of the children and watch their activities and report any suspicious movement concerning their wards.

“We assure members of the public of our relentless efforts in making sure that lives and properties of Ndi Anambra are secured.”