A member of a notorious gang operating in Ogwashi Uku and its environment in Delta state has been killed by the police while four others are now in police custody.

The four other suspects arrested at the scene of a sporadic shooting inside the forest include Abua Prosper, Nduka Ashiedu, Abua Monday, and Ogor Okocha all from the Isah Ogwashi Uku community.

In a statement by the police public relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday said upon a distress call from a resident of Isah Community Ogwashi Uku that hoodlums bearing guns were shooting sporadically in the community forest, the Commander Safe Delta deployed police operatives to the area.

The team upon arrival, the statement added, was engaged in a fierce gun duel by the hoodlums, during which, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries. He was taken to FMC Asaba for medical attention but was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

“A locally made double barrel cut-to-size gun, and three live cartridges were however recovered from the scene.

“The arrested suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently in police custody as the preliminary investigation continues.”

In another development, operatives have raided one hotel in Issele–Azagba and arrested one 29-year-old male suspect, Joseph Jonathan, a native of Ika North-East.

The raid followed a credible intelligence gathering on inter confraternity clash between different cultist groups ongoing in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs.

SP Edafe said during a search on the scene, one locally made cut-to-size double barrel and three live cartridges, one black bag where the pistol was concealed; and one charm designed cowries were recovered.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity.

“Meanwhile, while on a routine patrol along Asaba/Benin Express Way, operatives encountered a group of about six unknown gunmen, all armed with guns and other dangerous weapons.

“On sighting them, the suspects in a bid to escape had an encounter with the policemen during which two of the suspected robbers were arrested with serious gunshot injuries.

“They were immediately taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead, while other suspects escaped.

“One locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun loaded with two live cartridges and a battle axe was recovered. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)

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