Notorious kidnap kingpin shot dead in Ebonyi

The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the death of a kidnap kingpin who was shot dead by men of the Anti-kidnapping squad during an exchanged of gunbattle in Abakaliki after the abductors kidnapped one Chukwu Felicia Nkechi.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Deputy Superintendent of Police Loveth Odah said that the incident happened on December 14, 2021 at about 4 pm.

DSP Odah said that Chukwu Felicia was kidnapped in her official car a Toyota Corolla Car 2011 model along Nsugbe street Abakaliki by some armed men.

According to her, on the strength of the report, the Police Operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Command swung into action, trailed the kidnappers to their hideout at New Layout Nkaliki in Abakaliki Local Government Area of the State.

She said that the hoodlums on sighting the Police opened fire at them adding that the Policemen professionally engaged them in a gun duel and during the encounter one of the hoodlums who was later identified by the victim as the gang leader, sustained bullet wound injuries.

She stated that other gang members escaped to a nearby bush abandoning the victim and her vehicle.

She said that the victim was rescued unhurt and taken to the hospital for a medical check-up.

According to her, One English Berretta pistol, with 9mm live ammunition and the said Toyota Corolla Car were recovered.

DSP Odah further said that the kingpin was rushed to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki for medical treatment but was later confirmed dead by a Doctor on duty, adding that his body has been deposited at the same hospital mortuary for presentation.

She said that the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Garba has ordered for an intensive manhunt of the fleeing gang members and reaffirms the Command’s continued commitment to ensuring the safety of lives and properties of the citizens of the state.