By Special Correspondent.
Two notorious armed robbers cum kidnappers said to be terrorizing Nekede in Owerri-West LGA of Imo have lost their lives during a gun duel between them and operatives of the Imo state police command.
According to a press release signed by the command’s Public Relation, Henry Okoye and issued on Thursday, the police was tipped about armed hoodlums attacking a young man along Umuezorokam Avu in Owerri west LGA of Imo in attempt to kidnap him, and the DPO of Nekede Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly mobilized his men and stormed the scene of the attack with the assistance of the local vigilante.
The release said that the kidnap victim was rescued alive after the hoodlums were maneuvered overpowered by the ever-gallant operatives of the command, using a vintage position.
Several weapons and ammunition including one locally-made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms, according to the release, were recovered from the neutralized hoodlums
“In a follow-up to a distress call received on Thursday, at about 1230hrs, from a good samaritan that he sighted hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons attacking a young man name(withheld) along Umuezorokam- Avu in Owerri West LGA with a machete in an attempt to kidnap him, the DPO in charge of Nekede Divisional headquarters swiftly mobilized his men and stormed scene with the assistance of the Local vigilantes.
“The hoodlums on sighting the Police immediately opened fire but were overwhelmed by the professionalism and stiff resistance showcased by the ever-gallant operatives who maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire.
“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the criminal syndicates were neutralized while others escaped to the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
“Efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
“On searching the neutralized hoodlums, one locally made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms were recovered in their possession.
“The victim was rescued with a deep machete cut on his hand and other parts of his body and was immediately rushed to Federal Medical Center Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention while the lifeless bodies of the neutralized hoodlums have been deposited at the morgue for preservation.”
