The Anti-Robbery Squad of the Okehi Division led by the DPO on Sunday responded to a distress call at Okehi/Igbodo Express Road in Etche, where armed robbers were attacking and dispossessing some passengers of their belongings.
On sighting Police at the scene, the robbers reportedly engaged them in a fierce gun duel and in a return fire, three of them sustained fatal wounds which resulted in serious bleeding and died before they could receive medical attention, while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.
The swift response of the Police led to the immediate release of the nine passengers on board an 18 seater Hiace bus, who were released unhurt and continued their journey.
One locally made single barrel gun and rounds of live cartridges belonging to the robbers were reportedly recovered at the scene.
Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Nnamdi Omoni 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.
