A notorious armed robbery gang terrorising the Ahoada axis of the East-West Road in Rivers State has been decimated by a crack team of Nigeria Police Force.
According to a statement by the Rivers State Police Command, obtained by The Trent, on Sunday, August 28, 2016, the “significant breakthrough in crime fighting” took place at about 8.40pm on Saturday.
“The Rivers State Police Command in its sustained efforts to rid the state of all manner of crime and criminality today recorded yet another significant breakthrough in crime fighting,” the statement signed by spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Omoni Nnamdi.
“This was practically demonstrated when last night about 8.40pm, there was a distress call about an Armed Robbery attack at Ihuike axis of the East/West Road in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“In a swift response, the Ahoada Division led by the DPO immediately mobilized to the scene and the armed robbers on sighting the Police Patrol Van, opened fire on the Police.
“While an 18 Seater Bus heading from Benin to Port Harcourt was under attack, the driver lost control and the car somersaulted, while 3 persons were feared dead. The rest passengers were rescued.
“In the ensuing gun battle, the police overpowered the armed robbers, six of the armed robbers were fatally wounded and died on their way to the hospital,” the statement said.
The statement revealed that that the leader of the gang, General Igbudu, is suspected to be responsible for all the killings in the Ahoada community and had been declared wanted by the police. The police recovered 4 AK 47 rifles, 72 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two pistols and a round of 9mm ammunition, and two military face caps.
“The robbers are the notorious gang of armed robbers/kidnappers who have been terrorizing the East/West Road. The leader of the gang is one General Igbudu, who is suspected to be responsible for all the killings in Ahoada community and the kidnapping of fourteen (14) passengers from Omoku to Port Harcourt, three weeks ago and had earlier been declared wanted by the police.
“The injured accident victims are receiving treatment in the hospital. Investigation has been ordered.
“The Ahoada community is agog as they celebrate the end of an orgy of violence in their area. They are happier for it. As the community will now know peace.
“The commissioner of police of Rivers State, Mr. Francis Mobolaji Odesanya, wishes to assure the good people of the state to go about their lawful businesses as there is no cause for alarm.
“The police is on top of our game and promises to even do better when the synergy between the Police and the public is made more robust. Urging the public to have confidence in the police and always share information with the police,” the statement concluded.
Warning: The image from the police showing the dead suspects is extremely graphic. Viewer discretion is advised. You may click HERE to view it.
