Two suspected kidnappers causing havoc in Umuezorokam-Avu community and its environs in Owerri West LGA of Imo state have been neutralized by the police.

Spokesperson of the command, ASP Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, August 31, 2023, said a distress call was received from a good Samaritan that he sighted hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons attacking a young man (name withheld) along Umuezorokam-Avu in Owerri West LGA in an attempt to kidnap him.

The DPO in charge of Nekede Divisional headquarters alerted of the situation, swiftly mobilized his men, and stormed the scene with the assistance of the local vigilantes.

 “The hoodlums on sighting the Police immediately opened fire but were overwhelmed by the professionalism and stiff resistance showcased by the ever-gallant operatives who maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire,” the statement read.

“In the ensuing gun duel, two of the criminal syndicates were neutralized while others escaped to the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries. Efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate

 “On searching the neutralized hoodlums, one locally made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms were recovered in their possession. The victim was rescued with a deep machete cut on his hand and other parts of his body and was immediately rushed to Federal Medical Center Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention while the lifeless bodies of the neutralized hoodlums have been deposited at the morgue for preservation

“While commending DPO Nekede, his men, and the local vigilantes for a job well done, the Commissioner of Police Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde psc(+) reaffirmed the Command’s unresolved commitment to ensuring that the life and properties of all and sundry in the State are adequately protected

“More so, the CP stated in strong terms that there will be no hiding place for criminally minded elements across the length and breadth of Imo and beckoned on Imolite to continue to support the Police and other sister security agencies in the onslaught against all forms of crime and criminality in the State. In case of emergencies, the Command can be reached via 08034773600 or 08098880197.”