Gallant police officer loses life in Enugu kidnapping showdown
A gallant police officer attached to the Enugu State Government House lost his life in a fierce gun battle with kidnappers.
The fallen officer has been identified as Inspector Nege Tavershima, hailing from Mbayion in the Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State.
The tragic incident unfolded when operatives of the state Police Command neutralized two kidnapping suspects who had been terrorizing motorists along the Enugu-Ugwuogo-Opi-Nsukka road over the weekend.
Inspector Tavershima, who was on escort duty with government officials, encountered the kidnappers and courageously joined his fellow officers in engaging the hoodlums.
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In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred on Sunday, September 3.
The statement noted that several other criminals managed to escape with gunshot wounds.
“On the evening of 03/09/2023, Police Operatives of the Enugu State Command thwarted an attempt to kidnap road users at Ogbeke-Nike, along Ugwogo-Nike/Opi/Nsukka road. The hoodlums had barricaded the road and fired shots indiscriminately before our Operatives, some of whom were on VIP escort duty, valiantly responded,” the statement read.
“Two of the criminals were neutralized on the spot, while many others fled into the forest with serious gunshot injuries. Additionally, the officers recovered one (1) AK-47 rifle with two (2) magazines, eighty-two (82) rounds of 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, sixteen (16) rounds of 7.62 mm caliber ammunition, one (1) cutlass, two (2) mobile phones, and other incriminating items from the criminals.
“Regrettably, one of our brave officers sustained a gunshot wound during the intense gunfight. He was promptly taken to the hospital but, tragically, succumbed to his injuries in the early hours of September 4, 2023. His body has been placed in the mortuary for preservation and an autopsy.”
Ndukwe further reported that the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, expressed his condolences for the loss of the gallant officer and praised the entire police force, the Neighbourhood Watch Group, and Forest Guards involved in the operation for their unwavering courage and exceptional performance.
The Commissioner emphasized the Police Command’s unwavering commitment to dealing ruthlessly with unrepentant criminals who continue to terrorize the state.
