Operatives of the Imo State Police Command Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) over the weekend rescued four kidnap victims, including a professor, after several hours of gun duel with the suspects.
The victims: Aminu Ibrahim 55; Prof. Ekezie Christopher 72; Friday Udoh 33 and Onyekachi Nwibe 29 were all rescued unhurt when the operatives stormed Ikpaocha forest between Okigwe and Ideato LGAs and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
Police said the hoodlums fled the scene with gunshot injuries but one English made pump action rifle with 27 live cartridges were recovered at the scene of the incident.
The police spokesman, SP Orlando Ikeokwu who confirmed the incident, said two vehicles were recovered at the scene which include Toyota Spider car with Reg no. PHC 407 AG, black in colour and Honda ACCORD with Reg no. LND 262 FM.
He disclosed the victims had been united with their families.