Suspected kidnapper killed in gun battle with police in Delta

Thursday, October 3, 2024 -Benson Oghenevwaire, a 34-year-old suspected kidnapper and armed robber, has been killed.

The man was killed in a gun duel between members of his criminal gang and a Police surveillance team from Ovwian/Aladja Division in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State.

Other members of the criminal gang escaped with gunshot wounds, according to a statement by the Delta State Police Command, signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

The statement read, “On 27/9/2024, at about 1700 hours, acting on intelligence gathered on one of the dreaded Kidnappers terrorizing Udu LGA, Warri, and environs, who was part of the syndicate responsible for a series of robbing and kidnapping operation within Udu axis some of which includes the robbery operation at wetland microfinance bank in UDU LGA on 26th February 2021 as well as the assassination of prince Eric Takerere ‘m’ the son of Urhowhrun Monarch alongside the two police escort on the 3rd of April 2021 at Efurrun Sapele road.

“The DPO Owvain Aldaja Division CSP Bulus Musa led the surveillance team of the division and embarked on a sting operation at the hideout of the suspect Benson Oghenevwaire ‘m’ aged 34yrs located at Orereokpe in Okpe LGA, where the suspect and his gang members engaged the Police in a fierce gun duel.

“During the gun duel, the police overpowered the suspects, some of them escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries while the said Benson Oghenevwaire was arrested with severe gunshot injuries.

“He was taken to Warri central hospital where he died while receiving treatment. During the operation, one English-made Beretta pistol and two rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

“A serious manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.”