* Kill 4 suspected kidnappers in gunfight along Jesse Road
By Jon Egie
Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr Wale Abass has charged Officers and men of the Command to be proactive in the discharge of their assigned duties and responsibilities.
And as a proactive measure of containing criminal activities, notably kidnapping in the ember months, the CP has issued a ban on use of covered plate numbers and tinted glass vehicles saying that all vehicles plying routes in the State must be registered.
The Commissioner of Police charged all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Heads, and Tactical Commanders to double their efforts in the fight against criminals in the state.
He equally appealed to members of the public to understand and bear with Command as the measures being emplaced, which is in their ultimate interest, might bring slight discomfort to the residents, particularly road users.
” Due to the activities of criminal elements who carry out their nefarious activities using tinted vehicles and sometimes covered plate numbers, it is on this note that the CP warns that all vehicles that ply the road in the state must be duly registered with their plate numbers visible as all unregistered vehicles and vehicles with covered plate numbers will be impounded. He also stated that tinted vehicles will not be allowed in the state, hence residents using tinted vehicles are advised to peel it off. ” A statement issued by the Command’s PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe explained.
The CP sought the understanding of members of the public pointing out that though the measures would be uncomfortable, but they were meant to be for the overall collective benefits of the public.
Meanwhile, Operatives of the Command have engaged four suspected kidnappers in a gunfight and prevailed after a superior firepower leading to the death of the criminals.
Giving details of the fight, a police report signed by the Command’s PPRO, DSP Bright Edafe said following reported incidences of kidnappings along Jesse axis of the State, the State Commissioner of Police, CP. Wale Abass PSC, on September 12, directed the deployment of operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad {SAKCCS} and DOPS Bufallo team among others to the area.
” On 18th September 2023, during a joint patrol along Jesse – Igueleba in Edo State, the team encountered a gang of armed bandits who laid wait in the bush to attack and kidnap unsuspecting motorists.
” The hoodlums who apparently sighted the police team, fired at the front tyre of the lead pickup van, thus demobilizing the vehicle. They were swiftly engaged in a gun duel by members of the police team. The armed men eventually succumbed to the superior firepower of the policemen who pursued them into the deep forest during which four {04} suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded.
” One AK47 rifle with twenty-five {25} rounds of live ammunition were recovered. The wounded suspects were taken to the hospital for treatment where they were later certified dead.
” The Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass while applauding the gallantry of the men admonished them to do more and sustain the tempo in the fight against kidnapping and other vices. He also appealed to members of the public to provide the command with credible information that would help the police in this fight. ” The police statement said.