Kidnappers shot dead in Edo

Six suspected kidnappers were yesterday reportedly killed in a shot out with the police in Benin city, the Edo State capital.

It was gathered that the suspected kidnappers reportedly kidnapped intercepted an 18-seater bus traveling from Lagos to the East part of the country along the Lagos-Benin-by pass road.

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It was further gathered that the suspected kidnappers were moving the victims into the forest when they encounter the police and engaged them in a gun battle.

It was learnt that the suspected kidnappers died from the injuries sustained during the gun battle.

The state police command spokesperson, Kontongs Bello, who confirmed the development, said the deceased were believed to be part of the notorious gang terrorizing Benin/Lagos express way and environs kidnapping road users.

He said “Police operatives on April 13 while on investigating activities along Benin-Lagos bypass, encountered the suspected kidnappers while trying to whisk away kidnapped passengers of an 18-seater bus.

“The team of operatives, on sighting the suspected kidnappers engaged them in a gun duel and in the process, six of them were injured and were subsequently arrested, taken to the hospital while others fled in different directions with various degrees of bullet wounds.”

He said the injured kidnappers were confirmed dead by the medical practitioner on duty at the hospital.

Bello said the passengers were rescued unhurt while bush combing was ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members.

He also said one pump action was recovered from the scene.