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From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
A suspected member of an armed robbery gang has met his waterloo during a shootout with operatives of the Delta State Police Command in Asaba, the state capital.
Two of the gang members who operated on a motorcycle escaped during the gun battle.
The incident happened on Monday in Okpanam area of the state capital territory.
Public Relations Officer of the command, DSP Bright Edafe confirmed the death of the suspect in a statement.
Edafe stated that acting on a distressed call, operatives of DELTA HAWK Team in collaboration with the Okpanam Divisional Police Headquarters, stormed the robbery scene at Play Learn Academy School.
“The officers mounted surveillance within the scene of the robbery, where they sighted an Okada rider and two occupants.
“Upon sighting the team advancing towards them, they took to their heels and immediately started shooting at the police operatives.
“During the gun duel, one of the suspected armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries, while one English Pump Action gun, and one cut-to-size single barrel gun with three cartridges were recovered.
“The injured suspect was taken to the Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Efforts are on top gear to recover more firearms and further arrest other fleeing suspects,” he stated.
Edafe also confirmed the arrest of two other suspects who had robbed a female victim in Effurun area of the state.
He explained that the victim boarded a tricycle (Keke) from PTI Junction to Orerokpe community with two other passengers including the driver.
According to him, “while approaching Okudiete Community in Okpe Local Government Area, the three boys suddenly attacked and pushed her out of the moving tricycle, making away with her phone, handbag containing money and other valuables.
“The victim immediately boarded another tricycle and reported the incident to Orerokpe Police Division.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Orerokpe CSP Paul Oboware deployed his Visibility Patrol Team on a stop and search duty at Oha Junction.
“Sequel to the tip-off, the patrol team swiftly gave the robbers a hot chase and succeeded in arresting two of the suspects.
“Meanwhile, one of the hoodlums escaped through the bush, and all items robbed from the victim were recovered from the robbers including a tricycle with registration number ASB56QD.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious robbers who specialize in robbing unsuspecting passengers of their personal belongings while in transit on a tricycle.
“Similarly, efforts are ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspect and to discover other associates of the syndicate.”
