…killing of two policemen
Juliana Francis
The Delta State Police Command said it has neutralized three suspects in a gunbattle after a gang was suspected of having killed two Mobile Policemen in the State while attempting to kidnap the wife of the wife of one of the members of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a superintendent of Police, Bright Edafe, explained that following the failed attempted kidnap of the wife of one of the members of Delta State House of Assembly on 2nd of September 2024 at Okoloba Junction Jakpa Road, Uvwie Local Government Area, where the suspected kidnappers murdered two mobile Policemen and the driver Mr David Imela, the police had launched further investigation.
His words: “The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda immediately ordered water-tight deployment around Warri and environs as well as narrowing the roads and blockage of all exit points.
“It didn’t take long as Police operatives of Ebrumede Division led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), a Chief Superintendent of Police, (CSP) Iwok Ndifereke strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at DSC Roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.
“On noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team which the team equally responded professionally owning to the busy nature of the area.
“The hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle shattered with bullets and escaped with bullet injuries. Three AK-47 rifles and their operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.”
CP Abaniwonda, not satisfied with their escape, directed that the DPO Ebrumede should go all out and ensure the suspects were arrested and brought to book.
Armed with available information and exhibits found in the abandoned vehicle, on the 3rd of October 2024, the DPO Ebrumede Division CSP Iwok Ndifereke led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho, where the Police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel.
“The Policemen, who were prepared for the battle ahead overpowered the hoodlums, three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped and another AK-47 rifle was also recovered. The suspects were taken to the Hospital where they were confirmed dead. Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing,” said Edafe.
Abaniwonda commended the effort and bravery of the DPO and his men, displayed during the operation. He urged other officers and men of the command to emulate them.