A police officer, Inspector Nege Tavershima from Mbayion, Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State has been shot dead during a gun battle with kidnappers.
It was reported that operatives of the state Police Command neutralised two kidnap suspects terrorizing motorists along the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road at the weekend.
Inspector Tavershima, who was attached to the Enugu State Government House was on escort duty with officials when they ran into the kidnappers and he joined other police officers to engage the hoodlums.
The Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement, said the incident happened on Sunday, September 3, adding that several other hoodlums escaped with bullet wounds.
“Police Operatives of Enugu State Command, in the evening hours of 03/09/2023, foiled an attempt to kidnap some road users at Ogbeke-Nike, along Ugwogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka road. The hoodlums had blocked the road and shot sporadically, before the Operatives, some of whom were on VIPs escort duty, gallantly responded,” the statement read.
“Two of the miscreants were neutralized on the spot, while many others escaped into the forest with fatal gunshot wounds. One (1) AK-47 rifle with two (2) magazines, eighty-two (82) and sixteen (16) rounds of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm calibers live ammunition respectively, one (1) cutlass, two (2) mobile phones and other incriminating exhibits, were recovered from the hoodlums.
“However, one of the Operatives who sustained a gunshot wound in the ensuing gun duel was taken to the hospital and later confirmed dead by doctors in the morning hours of today, 04/09/2023. His remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.”
Ndukwe, however, noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, while mourning the unfortunate loss of the Operative, whom he described as gallant even in death, commended the entire Police personnel, the Neighbourhood Watch Group, and Forest Guards involved in the operation for their courage and job well done.
The PPRO quoted the commissioner to have reiterated the firm commitment of the Police under his command to ruthlessly deal with unrepentant criminals terrorizing the state.
Meanwhile, friends and family members have taken to Facebook to mourn the gallant officer.
