UGHELLI—Apprehension, yesterday, enveloped Agharho community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, as a suspected kidnapper was shot dead by men of the state Police Command while rescuing a kidnap victim.
Vanguard gathered that the kidnap victim, Mr. Omamuyovwi Oseri, owner of a popular hotel in the area, was whisked away in a Toyota Camry car by one of the suspected kidnappers, while one other escaped with bullet wounds.
It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers, numbering three, forced their way into the hotel premises and ordered the staff and visitors to lie on the floor as the hotelier was bundled into the waiting car.
Briefing newsmen on the incident, Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Agbarho Police division, Mr. Paul Audu, said the police swung into action after a distress call was received from the management of the hotel and accosted the other two kidnappers, who were already escaping in a Jeep they had snatched from the bishop of one of the churches in the area.
Audu added that on sighting his men, the suspected kidnappers opened fire and in the ensuing gun duel, one of the kidnappers was killed while the other escaped with bullet wounds.
He explained that the Toyota Camry car conveying the victim had sped off into a nearby bush moments before the police arrived the hotel, adding that a ransom fee was demanded. He said a search team comprising the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, Agbarho vigilante group and his men went into action and later rescued the victim.
He added that the vehicle plate number of the Toyota Camry car used by the kidnappers was different from the number engraved on the body and wind screen of the car.
SOURCE: Vanguard Nigeria