One policeman killed, 2 others sustain bullet injuries in Anambra

……as NMA vows to off set medical bills

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha

At least one policeman died and two others sustained various degrees of injuries during a fierce gun battle between kidnappers of Edwin Emegoakor and the police from the Rapid Response Squad and anti kidnap, Awkuzu, Anambra State 

The Nations News reports that the gun battle took place at the duplex hideout of the kidnappers in Abor Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government area of the state in the morning of last Sunday.

Aside the rescue of Edwin Emegoakor who is the Chief Medical Director of Crown hospital Nkpor, when the  police fire power sent the kidnappers packing, about four other victims were reportedly rescued by the police.

Expressing satisfaction with the gallant policemen who sacrificed their lives in the rescue operation, the Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA), Anambra State chapter, condoled with the family of the deceased policeman and vowed to off set the medical bills of the two injured policemen.

Making this disclosure during its emergency meeting on the kidnap saga at Awka, state capital, the NMA, through its state chairman, Princeton Okam, said it has suspended its planned industrial action sequel to the rescue of the kidnapped colleague, Emegoakor 

It also paid glowing tribute to the state government on its efforts and support to ensure the rescue  of Emegoakor who has since reunited with his family even as NMA stressed the need for the state government to beef up security.

In a communiqué signed by the state Chairman, Okam and Secretary, Obiaeli Ifeanyi, the association expressed satisfaction that their colleague was rescued unharmed and suspended its strike action it planned to commence last Monday.

Recall that Emegoakor was abducted in his hospital at Nkpor on 7 May, by a four man kidnap gang with two on military camouflage attires while one wore police uniform, prompting the state NMA to issue a 48 hour ultimatum for his immediate release unharmed failure which the state will witness indefinite protest.