The serene premises of Hilltop International Premium Hotel Abuja, became a battleground for armed men and the police force on Tuesday, as both parties engaged in a gun battle which led to the unfortunate loss of life of a policeman, and three civilians injured.
The gunmen who had earlier abducted Friday Makama, a former member of the Kogi State House of Assembly, and eight others from the same hotel, reportedly fired repeatedly at the hotel doors to gain access.
According to a source, the gunmen were quite a number when they came in around 11 pm. The hotel had closed for the day, and for that reason, the doors were locked. They shot at the doors sporadically, hit persons, and whisked away the hostage.
As a result of the proliferating shooting, three people were injured including one who was hit by a stray bullet despite the fact that he was in his room.
The hotel had been getting frequent visits from the police following the last attack but this time finally met with the hoodlums, which led to the shootout.
“They didn’t do anything to us, but we were flogged. People that were injured were those who came to lodge.” reported a source.
The FCT Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident, adding that a policeman was killed during the attack.
“Suspected kidnappers were carrying out their operations and our policemen foiled their attack and engaged them in a gun battle. Unfortunately, one of our men paid the supreme price. One other person was injured,” she added.
