The Bayelsa state police command gunned down a suspected notorious armed robber when his three-man gang engaged the police in a fierce gun duel.
The robber, Innocent Kokorifa, who was fatally wounded by the police during the exchange of fire, died a few hours after he was arrested and taken to the hospital.
The other two members managed to escape, leaving behind their weapons.
The incident was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Mr. Asinim Butswat.
Butswat said that policemen from the Anti-Vice/Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the command, had on August 17, 2016, acting on a tip-off, stormed an uncompleted building on Air Force Road, Okaka, Yenagoa, to arrest a three-man notorious armed robbery gang.
Butswat stated, “The suspects on sighting the police and in a frantic bid to escape, fired at the Police. The police returned fire and one of the suspects sustained a bullet injury, while the others escaped.
“The fleeing suspects abandoned one locally-made single-barrel pistol, one live cartridge, one expended cartridge and wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis.
“The wounded suspect was arrested and taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, for treatment, but died a few hours later. The deceased suspect was later identified as one Innocent Kokorifa, male.”
Butswat added that efforts had been intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that investigation was ongoing.
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
Leave a reply