The Police Command in Ebonyi said two people, including a baby died as its men repelled a gun-toting kidnap gang, targeting an expatriate working for a construction company in Ikwo Local Government Area.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, said the failed attack happened on Friday.
A policeman was critically injured in the bloody encounter.
“One of the hoodlums was killed, while others escaped with bullet injuries during the gun duel. A police officer was injured and in critical condition at a hospital.
“The hoodlums came on a motorcycle to the construction site in Ikwo community and started shooting sporadically in an attempt to kidnap a site supervisor, Mr Derry Gee, who is 34 years old.
“Thank God, the mobile police officers attached to the company were able to repel the attack.
“The wounded police officer was hit by bullet on his leg. Unfortunately and regrettably, an eight-year-old baby around the area was fatally wounded.
“The command is massively investigating the matter. The state CID is already on top of the matter and possibly the hoodlums will be arrested,” she said