Police in Benue have rescued a kidnapped female nursing student and killed a suspected gang leader during a gun battle with hoodlums in Agbungun Community, in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Nov. 21 at about 7 p.m., when about six armed men riding on two motorcycles stormed Agbungun and abducted the student, whose identity is yet to be confirmed.

The source said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ayilamo mobilised a patrol team and tactical units to pursue the abductors to their hideout in Biki community within the same axis.

He said the operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel, during which one of the hoodlums sustained gunshot wounds.

“He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead by the doctor. He was later identified as Avalumun Nyamver, also known as ‘Ornu’, the gang leader,” the source said.

According to the sources, the victim escaped unhurt in the heat of the gunfire and has since reunited with her family.

The sources added that police arrested a female suspect, Mngusuun Torkende of Ucha in Ukum LGA, who was found inside the kidnappers’ hideout.

“During interrogation, she claimed she had come for a burial in the village and was asked by the deceased suspect to stay back,” said the sources.

Items recovered from the hideout included a GSM handset, criminal charms, bags, a cutlass, two power banks and four SIM cards.

The source said efforts were ongoing to track and arrest the fleeing suspects, while the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) had commenced investigation.

He said further developments would be communicated in due course. (Zagazola)