Ebonyi gun-battle: Wanted criminal kingpin shot dead, 2 AK-47 rifles recovered

trong>By Christian Ogbonna

A wanted criminal kingpin terrorizing Iyonu community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State identified as Isaiah Okoronkwo has been killed in a gun-battle with the police at the hideout of his gang in Iyonu Forest.

The spokesperson for Abia Police Command, SP Joshua Ukandu revealed this on Wednesday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

According to him, the crime kingpin died in gun-battle with the operatives of the command’s Crack Squad.

Ukandu said the syndicate’s kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, had been on the command’s wanted list for some time.

He described his killing as another major breakthrough in continuation of sustained onslaught against violent crimes by the Ebonyi Police command.

He said two Ak-47 rifles were recovered at the end of the encounter.

“This followed the recent surge in armed robbery incidents and criminal activities in Iyonu community in Ishielu Local Government Area.

“On Aug. 29, the operatives of the command’s Crack Squad, acting on credible intelligence, launched a clearance operation on the criminals’ hideout located in Iyonu Forest.

“During the operation, the hoodlums engaged the operatives in a gun battle, but the police gallantly responded, subduing the criminals.

”In the ensuing encounter, the syndicate’s kingpin, Isaiah Okoronkwo, who had long been on the command’s wanted list was neutralised, with two AK-47 rifles recovered during the operation.”

Ukandu said that the state Commissioner of police, Adaku Uche-Anya commended the operatives for their professionalism, courage, and painstaking intelligence work that led to the success.

He quoted Uche-Anya as also assuring residents that the command remains unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property.

(NAN)