By Chidi Nkwopara

OWERRI—Three notorious robbery suspects, lured by villagers with a new motorcycle, have been burnt to death at a spot between Umuezekom, Amatta and Umuehihe, Uzoagba in Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

This came as the state Police Command arrested another three set of hardened robbers. The dead robbers included a native of Obinnekele Amatta, Chigozie, alias Number 19; Chinedu from Inyishi and an accomplice from Ngugo.

Vanguard gathered that until they met their waterloo, the trio had been robbing commercial motorcyclists.

An Umuezekom villager, who spoke on grounds of anonymity, recalled that “a man from the neighbouring community, noticed the presence of the hoodlums, quickly rushed back home and alerted his people.”

According to the villager, a brand new motorcycle was used as bait for the robbers and they fell into the trap.

He said: “A gun battle ensued when the local vigilante team and scores of youths stormed the scene to confront the robbers. The rampaging robbers were overpowered and instantly burnt to death.”

Other arrests

Meanwhile, the State Police Command has arrested three robbers that had been terrorising traders and others along the busy Douglas Road, Owerri.

Parading the suspects, yesterday, at the Police Headquarters, Owerri, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Taiwo Lakanu, said they were nabbed while carrying out their nefarious activities.

They included Anthony Ezeudo, alias Mopol D Dragon; Ifeanyi Ukwuoma and Joseph Nwaigwe. He said: “Items recovered from them during the operation were two locally-made pistols, four live cartridges and charms.

They have made useful statements to the police with regard to their operations and will soon be arraigned in court.” The Imo police boss also paraded other suspects that were nabbed for other crimes, including robbery and kidnapping.