But for the intervention of operatives of Department of State Security Service (DSS) and the Nigeria police, a Cleric would have been kidnapped on Sunday in Ebonyi State.

One the principal suspects linked to the crime which occurred in Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the State, was killed in gun battle, while two others arrested.

Spokesperson for Ebonyi State Police Command, Mrs Onome Onovwakpoyeya said in a statement on Sunday.

He said the suspects were intercepted on Ndofia Ishieke and Edupfu Egbu Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area of the State.

This was after engaging security agents in a shootout forced to abandoned the victim, according to the police spokesperson.

She stated that the victim (name withheld) escaped during the operation that followed a distressed call by the State Commissioner of Police, CP. Faleye Olaleye.

Two (2) AK47 and One(1) Lar rifles were recovered. Also recovered are two(2) Vehicles including that of the victim”, police said, “Today being 23/04/2023, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Police Command, CP Faleye S. Olaleye, psc  received a distress call that a Clergy had been kidnapped”.

“He immediately swung into action by mobilizing the tactical teams and the Divisional Police Officer of Ebonyi  Division to condone and barricade marked out Areas.

“The Department of State service was equally involved in getting the location of the victim.

“The kidnappers were intercepted along Ndofia Ishieke and Edupfu Egbu Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area, where they abandoned the victim and took to their heels while exchanging gunshots with the Police to pave way for their escape.

“Unfortunately, they were over-powered by the Superior fire power of the Police which led to one(1) of them being neutralized  and the arrest of two(2) Principal Suspects.

“The Commissioner of Police is using this medium to warn Criminals to lay down their arms or leave the State.
Members of the Public may contact the control room number 07064515001 in case of any distress”, the statement advised.