The Delta State Police Command has killed three suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in a gun battle in the state.
A statement by the state Commissioner of Police, Zanna Ibrahim, said the kidnappers and the armed robbers died during an exchange of gunfire.
Mr Ibrahim revealed that three suspects were earlier arrested following failed abduction attempts.
He said a team of officers attached to Asaba Division while on usual night patrol with the assistance Okpanam Vigilantee foiled an attempted kidnap of Mr & Mrs Anthony Umeh.
The commissioner said the couple were on their way to church for night vigil.
Mr Ibrahim said one of the detained suspects was identified as Isah by two other suspects, Haruna Umar and Adamu Mohammed.
He said they all belong to a gang of kidnappers that operate within Okpanam axis.
The police boss further said the trio were stacked by their gang members when they were leading a team of operatives to their hideout behind Asaba Airport for possible arrest and recovery of their arms.
He said they were fatally injured and rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, where they were certified dead.
In another development, Mr Ibrahim said that a distress call was received from one Ovieje U. Vitalis residing at Apkorero Street Ovwian that four armed men came to his house and ordered him and his family to surrender their belongings.
“The state anti-robbery squad swung into action. The armed robbers, on sighting the patrol team, opened fire.
“The police returned with superior fire power, killing two of the robbers while others escaped with gunshot injuries. Two locally made guns were recovered,” he added.
