Police in Ogoja Local government of Cross River State on Tuesday engaged some armed robbers in a gun battle.

The robbers attempted to snatch a ford galaxy with registration Number SDA 359 XA Taraba from the owner.

An eyewitness who declined giving his name told news personnel that the suspects numbering about seven, wore Mobile Police uniform with their superior carrying ranks of Deputy Superintendent of Police.

He said they attacked their victim at about 9.50 am on Tuesday.

According to him, “At about 9.50am on Tuesday, the Ogoja Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Haruna Adamu got a distress call that there was an armed robbery operation at Mbok Ikpokriyang, junction.

“The DPO mobilized Police patrol team led by the Divisional Crime Officer, DSP Anthony Dzungwe. They went after the robbers who were in a vehicle, a Toyota Corolla 1998, Dark Ash, with registration number – AJ 340 RLU

“The suspects numbering about seven wore Police Mobile uniform, abandoned their vehicle, ford galaxy – navy blue with registration Number SDA 359 XA Taraba and took to their heels.

“They escaped into a thick forest in the area” our source stated, adding that the police recovered the vehicle used by the robbers and also recovered the vehicle of their victim.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Ms Irene Ugbo told our correspondent on phone that though the armed robbers escaped, the two vehicles were recovered.

“Although there was no arrest, police chased the suspects, but they escaped into the thick forest, but their vehicle and that of their victim were recovered. The matter is being investigated,” she added.