Suspected kidnapper dies in hospital as Police recover pump action gun in Delta

The Delta Police Command on Thursday said a suspected kidnapper, who was hit during a gun battle with the police in Ewu community, has died at the General Hospital, Ughelli.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, who made the disclosure at a news conference in Asaba, identified the deceased as Joel Ochuko Ofoye.

He said the suspect was hit on August 12 in Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government of the state when operatives of the command went with the suspect on investigation over a case of kidnapping.

According to him, the suspect had earlier been arrested by the police on July 18.

“The suspect led police operatives to the Ewu community on the trail of a gun runner, who supplied arms to the kidnapping gang.

“In Ewu, the police team came under attack from the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the suspect.

“The police team returned fire for fire and overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries.

“However, the suspect Joel Ofoye was hit during the gun duel, and was taken to General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment,” Abaniwonda said.

According to him, police recovered one Baretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with nine rounds of cartridges, and one locally-made revolver pump action.