An Edo Broadcasting Service TV Report by Festus Alenkhe says that, three suspects alleged to have engaged in series of kidnapping operations in Edo State, Lagos and environs were arrested by men of the anti-kidnaping and Cyber Crimes Unit of the Edo State police command. AK47 Riffles, Pump Action guns and other assorted guns were also recovered from the suspects.
Report says suspects specialize in attacking owners of project sites where they are kept for ransoms. It was revealed that the suspects stormed a site around Victoria Island in Lagos where they allegedly kidnapped the owner of the house that was undergoing construction. The sum of Four Million Naira was collected as ransom. Another business man in the same area was kidnapped and taken through the river in Lagos State and the sum of Seven Million Naira was collected to effect his release.
Police investigations says several persons were also kidnapped around Okoh/ Ogba River areas of Benin City were the victims were released after ransom. Through discrete and intelligent means three of the suspects were arrested in various locations. The suspects were identified as Ajuwa Pere, Praise David, Oluwajuni Olorulana. The suspects narrated their levels of involvement and also promised to take the police to arrest other fleeing members of the gang at the creeks, near Ogba in Edo State.
Speaking to members of the press, one of the suspects said they collected Three Million Naira in the first operation and that the victim was held for one week. He said they were five of them that went for the operation namely, AD, ID and the rest of the three already mentioned.
Reports have it that there was a twist in the investigation as fleeing members of the gang got wind of the presence of the investigative police team in the area and therefore, in an attempt to free members of their gang from legitimate custody, attempted an ambushed of the police team in which case an exchange of gun fire ensued which left the three of the suspects dead.
The Edo State Police Public abortion of the Relations Officer, SP Bello Kotungs said that the gallant position of the police operatives led to the abortion of the attempt by the diseased suspects to escape from lawful custody. He said the police operatives were taking the suspects to the creeks where they promised to go and identify their location and where they are operating with other gang members. However, he said on the way the operatives were attacked by the kidnapers’ colleagues.
He appealed to the general public on behalf of the Commission of Police for credible information that will lead to the arrest of the criminals that are perpetrating such evil in the creeks.
Credit: EBS TV Reports.
