Police confirm death of suspected kidnapper, recover arms

The Delta Police Command says a suspected kidnapper, who was hit during a gun battle with the police in Ewu community, has died at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, made the disclosure at a news conference on Thursday in Asaba.

Abaniwonda, who did not disclose when the suspect died, gave the name of the deceased as Joel Ochuko Ofoye.

He said the suspect was hit on Aug. 12 in Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government of Delta when police went with the suspect on investigation over a case of kidnapping.

He said the suspect had earlier been arrested by the police on July 18.

“The suspect led police operatives to the Ewu community on the trail of a gunrunner, who supplied arms to the kidnapping gang.

“In Ewu, the police team came under attack from the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the suspect.

“The police team returned fire for fire and overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries.

“However, the suspect, Joel Ofoye, was hit during the gun duel and was taken to General Hospital Ughelli, where he died while receiving treatment,” Abaniwonda said.

According to him, police recovered one Baretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with nine rounds of cartridges, and one locally-made revolver pump action.

The CP said that the command had launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, adding that the command would ensure no hidden place for criminals in the state.

He disclosed that between July 25 and date, the police had arrested many suspected kidnappers, robbers, and cultists across the state.

Abaniwonda gave a breakdown of the recoveries to include four AK-47 rifles and 138 assorted ammunition and cartridges.

According to him, the police also recovered eight pump action guns, 15 cut-to-size locally made guns, and five English Baretta pistols.