A notorious criminal who has been terrorising the people of Kogi and other neighbouring states has been killed in a cross-fire by operatives of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The criminal known as Lukman (aka Commander), has been on the wanted list of the Kogi police command for over a decade. Lukman was alleged to have led his gang to Senator Dino Melaye’s house at Ayetoro-Gbede in an assassination attempt in April.
It was learnt that about five police commissioners in Kogi had in the past tried to arrest the notorious criminal suspect without success.
Lukman, who was alleged to have engaged in several armed robbery operations, kidnappings, assassinations and other violent crimes in the past, however met his waterloo on Sunday afternoon.
Kogi State Police Commissioner, Mr Wilson Inalegwu, said his men acting on a tip off had tracked the criminal to Obeiba in Ihima local government area of the state where he was billed to attend a coronation ceremony.
He said in an attempt to arrest the suspected criminal, he opened fire on his men, adding that in the ensuing gun duel, the criminal was shot on his thigh.
Inalegwu said the suspected criminal was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja for medical attention where he was pronounced dead.
He said following the shooting of the suspect by the police, his gang members went on rampage, razing a police station and a vehicle at Ihima.
The rampaging gang members also attacked the residence of a state commissioner and the palace of a traditional ruler, the Obobanyi of Emani clan, Chief Samuel Onimisi.
Inalegwu said security operatives quickly mobilised and brought the situation under control, adding that six persons suspected to have taken part in the ensuing rampage have been arrested and are currently undergoing interrogation.
