JTF kills three in gunfight with Imo car snatchers

• Suspects are ESN/IPOB members – JTF

Three people suspected to be members of car snatching syndicate have been killed in Imo State when they engaged operatives of the Joint Task Force in a gun battle.

Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, Raymond Utsaha, confirmed the incident to journalists in Owerri, Imo State capital, on Monday.

Utsaha alleged that the deceased were members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militia group of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

He said the suspects had robbed a man of a mini SUV Toyota Rav4 at a filling station in the Ngor Okpala LGA of the state, and they were trying to escape with the car when the task force intercepted them at Umuonyenwere Umuowa community.

He said the suspects engaged the JTF operatives in a gunfight leading to the killing of three members of the gang, while others escaped into a nearby bush with gunshot wounds.

Commander of 211 Quick Response, Idowu Ayo, also said, “Some of them ran into the bush with bullet wounds. We combed the bush and brought these ones out.”

He urged residents of the state to contact the army “when they see any decomposing bodies as they go to their farms”.

He also appealed to residents to assist the army with relevant information that will help stamp out crime from the area.

“No one says you should confront them. It is your responsibility to inform us once you see anyone coming to disrupt the peace in your community,” he added.

Items said to have been recovered from the gang included two vehicles, two locally-made pistols, five spent rounds, some illicit drugs, charms, and two number plates.

According to NAN, Chigozie Odemene, one of the suspects, spoke with journalists about his involvement in the robbery before he reportedly died.

Odemene was quoted as saying he was called on Sunday night under the guise of joining the gunmen to enforce the IPOB sit-at-home order on Monday.

“They came to pick me up last night but I didn’t know it was for car theft,” he reportedly said.