A suspected Fulani herdsman was Monday shot dead by the police in Edo State during a botched kidnap operation.
The latest bloody encounter happened a few days after a suspected Fulani herdsman engaged in a gun duel with vigilante members at the small town of Ikabigbo Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
During the botched kidnap operation of the Catholic priest, the man of God and a local vigilante were killed in the shootout.
A statement Tuesday in Benin by the Edo State Police deputy spokesperson Jennifer Iwegbu explained that Gonsho has been on the police wanted list for a very long time.
Iwegbu said that the suspected notorious kidnapper met his Waterloo in a kidnap attempt which the police foiled along the Benin-Auchi Road.
According to the spokesperson, the police swooped in on the kidnappers following an intelligence report.
The assistant superintendent of police said that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) while on routine patrol with his operatives encountered some of the suspected kidnappers, adding that when the hoodlums sighted the police, they opened fire on the police operatives which led to a gun duel.
He said that Gonso was neutralized during the exchange of gunfire with police operatives while other members of the gang escaped with gunshot injuries.
Iwegbu disclosed that one locally-made cut-to-size gun, one cutlass and a torchlight were recovered at the scene of the crime.
She said that intensive bush combing is currently ongoing with the aim of arresting other fleeing gang members
She reiterated the determination of the Edo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abutu Yaro towards ensuring robust police patrol.
Yaro advised criminal elements carrying out mischievous acts in the state to relocate from the state or risk a serious police onslaught.
