A police officer has been killed and two others wounded during a fierce gunfight between officers and the gang holding a kidnapped doctor hostage in Anambra State, police have confirmed.
The dramatic rescue operation unfolded in the early hours of last Sunday at a duplex hideout in Abor Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, where the abductors had been holding Dr. Edwin Emegoakor, Chief Medical Director of Crown Hospital Nkpor.
Officers from the Rapid Response Squad and the anti-kidnap unit in Awkuzu stormed the property, engaging the gang in a sustained firefight.
Police firepower eventually forced the kidnappers to flee the scene, allowing the safe recovery of Dr Emegoakor alongside four other unidentified victims.
Tragically, the operation claimed the life of one policeman, with two further officers sustaining injuries of varying degrees.
In the wake of the rescue, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra State chapter, has paid tribute to the gallantry of the officers involved.
At an emergency meeting held in Awka, the state capital, the association announced it would cover the full medical bills of the two injured policemen and extended its condolences to the family of their fallen colleague.
“These gallant policemen sacrificed their lives,” said Dr Princeton Okam, state chairman of the NMA. “We stand with the family of the deceased officer and will ensure the injured receive the best possible care.”
Dr Okam also confirmed that the association has suspended a planned industrial action, which had been scheduled to begin last Monday.
The strike was called off following the safe return of Dr Emegoakor, who has since been reunited with his family.
The NMA had previously issued a 48-hour ultimatum for the doctor’s unharmed release, warning of indefinite protests should the deadline pass.
That action has now been stood down.
In a communiqué signed by Dr Okam and the association’s secretary, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the NMA expressed satisfaction that their colleague was rescued without injury.
The association also praised the state government for its support during the crisis, while urging authorities to beef up security across the region.
Dr Emegoakor was originally abducted on 7 May from his hospital in Nkpor by a four-man gang.
Two of the kidnappers were dressed in military camouflage, while a third wore a police uniform, according to earlier reports.
Police have not yet confirmed whether any arrests have been made in connection with the abduction.
