BY RITA OYIBOKA /CHIJIOKE OYE
Residents of Asaba, Ogwashi-Uku, and Ubulu-Uku can finally exhale in relief after operatives of the Delta State Police Command’s Special Assignment Team gunned down four suspected kidnappers, including notorious gang leader behind a string of high-profile abductions and murders across the state.
The suspects, who were linked to the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku and the gruesome murder of realtor, Esther Ojoh, met their end in a fierce gun duel with police officers in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba along the Asaba/Agbor expressway.
In a press release signed by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, the crackdown followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, for an intelligence-led operation after the doctor was released on April 7, a day after his abduction, following a ransom payment of ₦15 million.
Acting swiftly, the Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, tracked and arrested the gang’s kingpin, Abubakar Usman, alias “Shehu,” on April 10 at about 10:00 p.m. Usman reportedly confessed to leading a violent syndicate responsible for multiple abductions in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, and surrounding areas. “He also admitted to the kidnap and subsequent murder of Miss Esther Ojoh, whose corpse was discovered on March 25,” the police said.
According to the statement released, yesterday, the suspect led officers to a forest hideout. However, during the search, he raised an alarm and attempted to flee to join his armed accomplices, leading to a shootout.
“In the ensuing gun duel, four of the suspects, including the said Usman Abubakar, sustained serious gunshot injuries,” the police said. “Three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene.”
The injured suspects were rushed to the General Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku, where they were confirmed dead.
Commissioner Abaniwonda lauded the bravery of the operatives, calling their efforts “heroic and worthy of emulation.” He further urged the public to continue supporting the police with credible information, assuring them that “the Command under my leadership will not disappoint.”
