Three armed robbers have been killed by the Anti-Robbery Squad of the Okehi Division of Rivers Police Command on Sunday, August 2.

The robbers had kidnapped some passengers at Okehi/Igbodo Express Road in Etche, Etche local government area of the State, but died during a shootout with the police..

According to the spokesperson of the state police command, Nnamdi Omoni, the robbers were raiding travelers along the road. The police immediately swung into action, arrived at the scene, and engaged the robbers in a shootout. Three of the robbers sustained fatal injuries which resulted in serious bleeding and they died before they could receive medical attention, while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.

He said nine passengers on board an 18- seater Hiace bus, were rescued unhurt and were able to continue their journey.

Omoni said one locally made single barrel gun and rounds of live cartridges belonging to the robbers were recovered at the scene. He said the command has launched a manhunt for fleeing members of the gang.

He appealed to the public to report anyone with gunshot wounds to the nearest Police Station or call 08032003514, 08098880134.