Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command said it rescued a kidnap victim after an exchange of gunfire with fleeing abductors at Umuota Village, Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The victim, identified as Abuchi, from Orumba South LGA of Anambra State, was said to have been kidnapped on late Saturday evening and was rescued after residents alerted the police.

The state police spokesman, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press statement on Sunday said the police operatives, while on anti-crime patrol in Obosi at about 7.30 pm on Saturday, were stopped by residents of the area, who informed them about a kidnap incident.

He said, “The public-spirited citizens pointed the police in the direction the kidnappers went after seizing their victim.

“Police operatives then trailed the kidnappers to an uncompleted building surrounded by bush in Umuota Village, Obosi where a gunfire exchange with the kidnappers ensued.

“One of the hoodlums was shot and arrested while others escaped, some with bullet wounds. One double barrel pistol, and two live, and one expended cartridge were recovered from the gang.

“The arrested suspect gave his name as Nwasu Ikenna from Obosi. He identified those that escaped as Ebuka a.k.a Big; Chinedu Emmanuel and Chukwu Ojoto.

“The hoodlum who identified Ebuka as the leader of the gang gave up the ghost on the way to hospital for treatment.”

Hefurther disclosed that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Aderemi Adeoye, who commended the team for its gallantry, has directed that the suspects at large be declared wanted and hunted down.

“The CP assured the people of Obosi and Anambra State citizens and residents that the Police Command will not relent in its onslaught against crime until it is brought to the barest minimum,” Ikenga added.