By Elijah Ugani
The vehicle suspected to have been used by armed robbers dressed as policemen to attack communities in Ogoja and Obudu local government areas between September 11 and 12, 2018 was last week, recovered by the police in Benue State sourced have revealed to CrossRiverWatch.
A source in the Cross River State police command told this reporter that the vehicle has since been transferred to Ogoja where the robbery first happened as investigations continue.
Photographs obtained by CrossRiverWatch show the vehicle; a Toyota sedan with smashed windshields and bullet holes.
CrossRiverWatch’s crime correspondent, Ushang Ewa suspects the vehicle to be either an old model Toyota Corolla or the last editions of the Toyota Carina.
CrossRiverWatch had reported that at least five people including a police sergeant, Jude Ndi were shot dead after the robbers met with local resistance at Utugwang community in Obudu barely 24 hours after engaging the police in a shootout at Ogoja.
The images obtained lends more credence to CrossRiverWatch’s report that the robbers had dressed in mobile police uniforms.
And, the police public relations officer, Mrs. Irene Ugbo confirmed this to CrossRiverWatch.
When contacted, Ugbo, a Deputy Superintendent of Police told CrossRiverWatch that: “Yes we have (recovered the vehicle),” and promised more information.
Meanwhile, efforts to get the reaction of the late Mr. Ndi’s family has proved abortive as his family is said to still be in shock over his demise.
As at press time, CrossRiverWatch could not confirm whether the other civilians killed had been buried.
However, several sympathisers have commiserated with the police and families of those killed during the shootout.
An aspirant for the position of the member representing the Obudu/Obanliku/Bekwarra federal constituency, Mr. KJ Agba in a statement had said that: “I have to first console myself because they are my brothers, and extend this to members of the immediate families. For those of us who believe in resurrection, be rest assured that we will meet at the sound of the trumpet, please accept my deepest condolences.”