Anambra: Three Killed, Woman Rescued As Kidnappers Battle Police

A six-man gang of suspected kidnappers yesterday engaged Anambra State Police Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS, in a gun battle at Okpoko in Ogbaru local government area during which three members of the gang were feared dead and a woman, Mrs. Edith Maduekwe, kidnapped by the gang, rescued by the police.

Mrs. Maduekwe, who was kidnapped by the suspects on October 4, 2014 at Oba in Idemili South local government area was rescued at an erosion site in Oraukwu in Idemili North local government area of the state.

After the gun battle, the police recovered seven hundred and seventy six thousand naira (N776, 000) from the suspects, which was part of the N1.4 million ransom paid by the family of the victim.

Items recovered from the suspects include one AK-47 rifle with 90 rounds of ammunition, one pump action gun and 10 live cartridges, assorted charms and other weapons.

Parading the suspects yesterday, Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Uche Ezeh said the leader of the gang known as Charlie Parker had been on the wanted list of the Police for four years.

He said following a tip-off, the state SARS commander, Mr. James Nwafor, a Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP, led his men to the place at Okpoko, where the loot was being shared by the suspects.

He said when the suspects sighted the police, they opened fire and the police had to return fire, leading to the death of the three suspects.