By Kelvin Ololo
The Cross River State Police Command has intercepted and arrested three suspected kidnapping gangs in Unwanse, Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State.
The suspects are Henry Efa Otu, 24 years old, Lawrence Ita Inyang 46 years old and Umoh Ekpo 46 years old after a gun battle with the Surveillance team of the Nigeria Police, Division Uwanse.
In a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer SP Ugbo Irene, for the State Commissioner of Police, the arrest was said to have followed a tip off that alerted the police and swift drastic response to the scene of operation.
The statement read: “Following the tip off the Divisional Police Officer/ Surveillance team of Uwanse of Cross River State Command intercepted a gang of Kidnapping Syndicate while attacking and attempting to kidnap one Nkereuwem Peter ‘m’ age 38yrs.Victim resides at NO. 35 Eneobong Avenue, Calabar South.
“Upon sighting the police, the gang opened fire on them but were successfully over powered. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, PSC, mnips in his statement, warned various criminal groups in the State that his mandate from the Force leadership is to reduce crime to the barest minimum.”
The commissioner of police however, appealed to residents of the state to continue to volunteer timely and useful information to the Police and other relevant security agencies to enable swift actions at all times.
The Command said “Investigation is heightened and aimed at apprehending the fleeing accomplices for diligent prosecution.”
Exhibits recovered from the suspects includes; Two (2) locally made pistols and one live cartridge.
Meanwhile, one business woman and Chief Executive Officer of JoeKate Enterprises identified as Mummy Chukwu, has been kidnapped at Bassey Duke Street, Calabar South this evening from her shop.