Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a shootout and rescued a 21-year-old victim, Iyobo Ighodaro in Egor Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Moses Joel Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, September 16, 2024, said a two-man gang snatched a car from one Valentine Igbinevbo at gun point in Ugbowo and kidnapped his friend, Ighodaro.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ugbowo, CSP John O. Emmanuel mobilized a surveillance team and traced the suspects to their hideout in Egor where they were negotiating for ransom using the victim’s phone.

On sighting the police operatives, the kidnappers opened fire, leading to a gun duel.

One of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was rushes to the hospital but was pronounced dead, while his accomplice managed to escape with gunshot injuries.

“On 15th September, 2024 at about 2115hrs, operatives of Ugbowo Division while responding to a distress call received from one Valentine Igbinevbo ‘m’ of 19th street Ugbowo, indicating that his silver-colored Mercedes Benz C350 car with registration number KWL 195 KC was snatched at gunpoint by 2-armed men and his friend, one Iyobo Ighodaro ‘m’ 21yrs was abducted in the car from his hostel,” the statement read.

"In a swift response, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP John O. Emmanuel mobilized and personally led surveillance team, traced the suspects to their hideout in Egor where they were negotiating for ransom using the victim’s phone.

"On sighting the Police, a gun battle ensued where one male suspect, whose identity is yet known sustained fatal gunshot injuries and was rushes to the hospital but was pronounced dead, while his second is believed to have narrowly escaped with gunshot injuries.

"The operatives recovered the said vehicle, one cut to size gun, one live cartridge, a cutlass and three (3) phones of different make. Meanwhile victim was rescued unhurt, received medical attention and reunited to his loved ones while the corpse of the suspect was deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH).

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nemi Iwo, psc(+) commended the DPO and his operatives for their effort in combating crime and further warned all criminal elements in the State that there days are numbered if they continue in crime.”