Hoodlum killed, ASP shot as gunmen exchange gunfire with Police officers

Hoodlum killed, ASP shot as gunmen exchange gunfire with Police officers

One person was reportedly killed and one other wounded in a gun battle that broke out between some hoodlums and policemen in Ebonyi State.

According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, on Wednesday, the gun battle took place in the Ivo Local Government Area of the state.

The police spokesperson said an Assistant Superintendent of Police was injured during the gun duel, while one of the hoodlums also lost his life.

She said “On the 7th day of March 2023 at about 2345hrs, the Divisional Police Officer of Ivo Divisional Headquarters received a distress call that unknown gunmen were firing sporadically and had also set ablaze two vehicles and a filling station.

“On receipt of the information the Divisional Police Officer swung into action and left for the scene. While at the scene information revealed that unknown gunmen were sighted sitting down in a public place at Ogwor community in Ishiagu.

“On their way, the men were ambushed and attacked, and an Assistant Superintendent of Police was shot, but the patrol team engaged the hoodlums with superior firepower. During the gun duel, one of the hoodlums was neutralised and others fled with bullet wounds.

“The DPO immediately called the headquarters for reinforcement. The Commissioner of Police, CP Faleye Sunday Olaleye psc, intercepted the distress call and immediately directed tactical teams to storm the place with the description of the vehicle and the route through which the Hoodlums were escaping.

“On sighting the police operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel at Osso, junction, where two of the hoodlums were equally neutralised and two arrested.

“The following exhibit was recovered at the scene of the crime: Two AK-47 Rifles, one locally made pistol, some charms and a red Toyota Corolla car, one Fireman generator, one Haier Thermocool Fridge, a walkie talkie radio set, 30 “AK-47′ Live ammunition, 20 expended AK-47 ammunition, one AK-47 magazine, one Itel phone, one Android phone, one police trouser, one police beret, one police face cap and some other incriminating items.”