Juliana Francis
The Delta State Police Command has revealed how a police sergeant was attacked by 15 naval ratings in the state.
Securitynewsalert.com gathered that the trouble started following an alternation between a naval rating identified as Kevwe Ejaita and a police sergeant.
When it appeared both men wanted to engage in fisticuffs, people stepped in and separated. Both men left in a huff.
It was gathered that the sergeant, who had already forgotten the altercation by the following day, was shocked to see Ejaita, accompanied by other naval ratings.
Before he knew what was happening, they had pounced on him, beating him black and blue. They were said to have torn his uniform and inflicted injury on him.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Bright Edafe explained that the altercation happened on the 8th of March 2023 at about 3:45 PM.
He further stated: “A Naval rating, identified as Kevwe Ejaita, alongside two others who lodged at Oguta Lake Hotel behind Enerhen Division, while driving out of the area, had an altercation with one the policemen posted as Station Guards at the security barrier in front of the Police Station.
“Surprisingly, on the 9th of March, 2023, the said Kevwe Ejaita, returned to the station with about 15 other naval ratings, attacked the police sergeant with whom he had an altercation the previous day, tore his uniform and inflicted injuries on his face.
“The DPO Enerhen Division promptly responded with his men, and the attack was successfully repelled while the said Kevwe Ejaita, who was the arrowhead of the group, was arrested. The Naval authority in Warri on being informed of the situation detailed a team of Naval Police personnel to proceed to the Division. The arrested Naval Rating was released to the navy authority on request for necessary disciplinary action. The injured police sergeant was taken to the hospital for treatment and later discharged.
“Meanwhile, the command and the leadership of the Nigerian Navy in the state have taken steps to avert a reoccurrence. The Commissioner of police Delta State Police Command CP Ari Muhammed Ali, while condemning the act by the Naval Ratings, appreciates members of the public for their concern. He, therefore, warned in strong terms that assault on police officers while performing their lawful duties by anyone will not be tolerated and advised residents of the state to learn to seek redress through the established channels rather than adopting self-help option by taking the law into their own hands.”