The gang leader of the yet-to-be-identified extremist group that killed about 20 worshipers in a Deeper Life Bible church in Kogi State on monday has been reportedly captured in Ibilo, Edo State, a police source said.
The man, Yekini Isah of Obehira in Kogi state, according to the police, was captured at about 4 AM yesterday by well armed crack detectives backed by mobile police squad mobilized from the Kogi Police command that stormed a criminal hideout in Idare Hills area of Okene.
A police statement stated that the area is suspected to be a safe haven for hoodlums wreaking havoc in the State. On sighting the policemen, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire, prompting a gun duel.
Mr. Isah fled the scene after sustaining head injuries, he was later trailed to a herbalist in Ibilo, Edo state where he was receiving treatment for his injuries and arrested with two other suspects, including a female.
One AK 47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition was also recovered from the the gang.
In confirming the arrest, Kogi State police commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Katisna said, “We trailed them and gave them a tough fight, and you know it was in the dark they were able to escape with him to one place in Edo State for medication where we finally got him. We got him alive.”
The police commissioner further clarified that the two soldiers killed yesterday were not killed in a mosque, but in a local government secretariat. Two soldiers and one woman who was passing by the LGA secretariat were shot dead yesterday in Okene by militants.