In a statement by the state command’s Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, the suspects were killed when they engaged the police in a gun battle during the rescue operation.
The statement read, “Operatives of the Edo State Police Command attached to Iguobazuwa Division on July 3, 2022, at about 17:45hrs, received information that Rev. Fr Luigi Brena ‘M’ 64yrs, an Italian of Somascan Father’s Community, was abducted by suspected kidnappers along Ogunwenyi through Usen community in Ovia South-West LGA.
“On receipt of the information, the police operatives immediately swung into action and trailed the suspected kidnappers to their camp in the forest.
“The suspects on sighting the operatives opened fire on them, but with superior firepower, the police operatives neutralised three of the kidnappers while the rest escaped with various gunshot injuries and abandoned their victim.
“The Reverend Father was immediately rushed to Igbinedion Teaching Hospital, Okada, for medical attention. Meanwhile, intensive bush combing is ongoing to arrest the suspected kidnappers now on the run,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Edo State Command, CP Abutu Yaro, urged the good people of Edo to continue to partner with the Command by availing it of prompt and useful information that would lead to the arrest of criminals terrorising the State.
