One policeman and four suspected kidnappers out of seven died on Saturday in an attempt by the criminals to escape from police custody as they were being conveyed to Delta State Police Command Headquarters, Asaba.
According to information gathered from NewsNet, the seven suspected kidnappers were being bused from Jesse in Ethiope West Local Government Area to Asaba by a team of four policemen.
When they got to a point between Ekuku Agbor and Ute Erumu in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state, the kidnappers attempted to sieze the rifle of one of the policemen.
In the scuffle that ensued, the driver of the vehicle who is also a policeman and four of the kidnappers were hit by bullets and died.
The other three kidnappers escaped into the bush. However, at the time of filing this report, it was yet to be established if the kidnappers succeeded in escaping with weapons.
The police have reportedly launched a manhunt to re-arrest the fleeing suspects.
Several catholic priests returning for a ceremony on Saturday, ran into the scene of the incident
They were returning from the 15th priestly ordination anniversary celebration of one of their colleagues, Rev. Fr. John Konyeke at St. Felix Catholic Church, Ejeme-Aniogor in Aniocha South Local Government Area of the state.
The incident raised questions begging for answers; Were the suspects properly restrained with handcuffs? Was the Police team well-armed with backup security vehicle considering the number of the suspected high profile criminals?