Police Kill Two Unknown Gunmen Who Masterminded Imo Prison Break

The Imo State police command said it has killed two suspected masterminds of the Owerri prison break which led to the escape of about 1,800 inmates on April 5, 2021.

The assailants who reportedly arrived in buses carrying rocket-propelled grenades, machine guns and rifles, were said to have also attacked the police headquarters in the state.

The Spokesperson for the police in Imo, Bala Elkana, said the suspects were killed during a two-hour gun duel with police operatives.

The suspects, Uchenna Elendu, a native of Umukusu Ocha, and Elu Osinachi from Umuobube in Awara, sustained severe gunshot injuries which led to their deaths, said the police.

Elkana said the suspects were killed during “a well-coordinated operation at Ocha Community, Awara in Ohaji/Bema Local Government Area, Imo State.”

He said, “The two suspects were taken to hospital for medical examination. The doctor on duty confirmed Uchenna dead on arrival while Osinachi Elu who was in coma, was subsequently confirmed dead.

“One Ak47 Rifle with breach number 11654 and a cache of live ammunition were recovered. Also recovered are a number of expanded ammunitions, machetes and criminal charms tied around the waist of the suspects.”