Five suspected kidnappers have reportedly lost their lives after a gun battle with operatives of Intelligence Response Squad (IRS) in Edo State Police Command.

This comes nine days after some rural dwellers, farmers and members of Civil society Organizations, staged a peaceful protest against criminal activities in the locality.

On Saturday’s incident happened near Okomu Oil Company in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the State where other members of the gang escaped with gunshot injury.

A statement by the Command’s spokesman, SP. Kotongs Bello, said, one AK 47, a single Barrel cut to size gun and a long Barrel gun as well as 8 live cartridges were recovered from the hoodlums.

He noted that a rigorous bush combing to track other fleeing criminal gang members for possible arrest is ongoing.

Part of the statement read, “On receipt of the information, The Operatives led by the Commander, Intelligence Response Squad swiftly swung into action and mobilized to the location.

“The suspected kidnappers on sighting the team of Operatives opened fire on them. In an ensuing gun duel, the Operatives neutralised five (5) of the suspected kidnappers while others escaped with gun shots injuries, according to SP. Kotongs.

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State, CP Abutu Yaro, commenced the public for prompt information which eventually led to the neutralising of the criminal elements and reinstated his commitment to the protection of residents of Edo State.
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Recall that CP Yaro, had assured residents of protection, adding that he has arranged Police tactical team to stay the corridors in the troubled areas in Ovia North East Local Government Area.

He said in a previous interview that, “As soon as I assumed duty as CP in Edo State five days ago, I discovered that Ovia area is having security challenges. Due to these challenges, I arranged Police tactical team to stay in Ovia. That arrangement has been completed… The criminals should either relocate or we will send them to God”.

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