Police kill kidnap suspects during rescue operation

Three suspected kidnappers were on Friday killed and three others arrested by the police during the rescue operation of the treasurer of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Delta State University, Abraka chapter, Mr. Martins Denedo.

Denedo was abducted in the early hours of January 1 2012 on his way home from New Year’s eve church service. Some gunmen had reportedly laid siege to Denedo’s residence in the university community and attacked him when he got out of his car to open his gate. He was immediately driven away in his car; a Nissan Pathfinder Sports Utility Vehicle with registration number, BKW 18 AA.

Spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command Mr. Famous Ajai, while confirming the rescue, said, “Teams of policemen on Friday morning rescued Denedo from the kidnappers’ hideout at Elumo in Abraka, close to Ughelli.

“Three of the kidnappers were killed during the exchange of gunfire with the police while three others were arrested. About two others are still on the run. We are on them and I’m positive that more arrests would be made soonest.”

A few weeks before, the mother of Nigeria’s Finance Minster was kidnapped at the gate of her husband’s palace in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.

Kidnappers numbering about 10 were said to have pushed the 82-year-old Prof. Kanene Okonjo into a waiting vehicle when she came down to offer drinks to workers at the gate. Although there have been dismissals of a ransom paid to secure Okonjo’s release as with other high profile cases, reports of kidnapping have continually emanated from the oil-rich state almost on a weekly basis.