One killed in Imo police bust on kidnappers’ den

One kidnapper has been killed and a kidnappee rescued in a raid by police on a kidnappers’ den in the forests of Ehime Mbano council area of Imo.

Police received a report on July 1 of the kidnap by gunmen of Uzondu Kaka, 46, a native of Umunuma Okohia Isiala, Mbano council area.

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The gunmen  operating out of an unregistered four-wheel-drive SUV  had trailed and kidnapped him at the entrance of his house and taken him to an unknown destination.

Police traced the location the kidnappers used as their den in the forests of Ehime Mbano.

“The hoodlums on sighting the tactical teams engaged them in a gun duel and in the process one of the suspects was neutralised , others escaped with gunshot wounds and the victim was rescued unhurt,” Imo police spokesperson, CSP Mike Abatam, said.

“One of the operatives of the tactical teams who sustained gunshot injury was rushed to the hospital where he is presently receiving treatment.

“The following was recovered at the scene,  one pump action gun, five live cartridges,  six expended cartridges and  cellotape used in blindfolding the victim.

“The rescued victim then informed the tactical teams that he was robbed ofN150,000, his ATM card and other valuables.

“The corpse of the neutralised suspect was later deposited at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri , Imo State while,  efforts are in top gear to arrest the fleeing suspects with gunshot injuries.