Members of a robbery gang in Calabar, Cross River State have killed one of the policemen trailing their vehicle shortly after an operation.

PUNCH Metro learnt on Sunday that the policemen, who were after the robbers on Saturday, also killed one of the suspected robbers.

It was gathered that the four-man gang operated in an Audi 80 car with registration number, XA 904 NDN, for the robbery.

It was learnt that shortly after the policeman was killed, there was a shootout between the suspected robbers and the other policemen.
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The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Hogan Bassey, who identified the slain policeman as Corporal Leonard Ofem, said the incident occurred around 8pm in the Eight Miles area of the metropolis.

He added that the policemen went after the robbers following a tip-off from a “concerned resident of the area”.

Bassey said another Corporal, Sunday Joseph, was recuperating at an undisclosed hospital after sustaining bullet wounds from the incident.

He said the four-man gang specialised in robbing unsuspecting passengers that entered their taxi, adding that although three members of the gang fled, the police would soon get them.

Bassey said, “Following a tip-off this morning, our men trailed this group of armed robbers using one Audi taxi to deceive people (popularly known as one chance).

“As they moved from one area to another looking for more prey, they discovered that policemen were trailing them.

“They fired at the policemen and killed one corporal. That was when the policemen fired back.

“One of the robbers was hit and three others, including a lady, ran away. Our men tried to save the wounded policeman and therefore did not chase the robbers. You can see the body here with the vehicle and charms recovered.”

Bassey, who said despite their loss, the operation was successful, attributed the success to the recent charge given to police divisions and formations by the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Henry Fadairo, who had directed that they tracked down the armed robbers that had been terrorising Calabar residents.

He urged members of the public not to hesitate in giving the police useful information, adding that security was a collective responsibility.


http://www.punchng.com/metro-plus/policeman-trailing-robbers-shot-dead/

RIP to the cop. Nigeria police be improving in discharging their duties daily and also paying the supreme price. All good cops will surely be blessed.