Edo CP says killers of 3 cops who abducted zoo director are militants

Following a visit to Ogba Zoo and Nature Park after an incident which witnessed the killing of no less than three policemen and the abduction of the Executive Director of the Zoo, Dr. Andy Ehanire, the Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr. Haliru Gwandu has revealed that the suspects behind the incident are militants.

The Edo CP revealed that much on Monday after a visit to the scene of the incident which took place at the Zoo along Airport Road in Oredo Local Government Area of the state, while also promising that efforts are being made to bring the perpetrators to book.

The CP said; “It was an unfortunate incident. We lost three of our personnel. This is the act of the militants because of the high sea now. They came and unfortunately killed our policemen but we are on the trail of the hoodlums. We are able to recover the vehicles they used to perpetrate the act. We are using all the available means including the high tech to fish out the perpetrators.

“They cannot go scot free. Let me assure the general public in Edo State that we are on top of the situation and that they should go about their normal duty. All hands are on deck to ensure that the hoodlums are fished out.”

Recounting the incident, Helen Juchei, a staff of the zoo said the gunmen came as visitors who came to seek fun.

She said; “Yesterday, after I finished my normal duty in the morning, people were just entering the zoo. At that time, my boss had not come. We usually come before our boss and when he eventually came at about 1pm, it was my turn to take over my duty. I went to tell him that I was having a birthday party to attend and that was how he granted me the permission and I left for the birthday hoping to come back to assume duty later in the day.

“When I eventually came back at about 6pm, I met three policemen lying dead on the ground. I was very shocked and what I saw after was people running for safety and my boss taken away. It was those who we met at the scene that told us what happened. They said the kidnappers paid to enter the zoo with a torn currency, which was rejected by the cashier at the gate.

“When the money was rejected, he went back to get a good money to pay the entrance fee. At this time, their informants have already gained entrance into the zoo as fun seekers. When the informants have finally studied the terrain, one of the informants decided to engage our director in a conversation.

“Our boss started telling him his plans to put up a world tourism day and as one of them engaged my boss in a conversation, the other one went straight to the security personnel and asked him if they have not closed for the day and decided to order for drink for the officers providing security for the zoo.

“This was what those who were there told us. So, they bought them Heineken and as they laid down their guns to drink, that was when the hoodlums opened fire on them and killed three police officers. We have not heard any information about the whereabouts of our boss,” she narrated.

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