A routine security patrol turned tragic on Thursday, May 14, 2026, resulting in the drowning of a Nigerian Forest Security Service officer and a resident along the Delta State Polytechnic Road, by Mega Chis.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the incident occurred when a joint patrol team comprising police operatives and forestry personnel spotted two men who immediately fled upon sighting the security agents.
Forestry officers gave chase to the fleeing individuals. In an attempt to evade capture, one of the suspects, later identified as Adama Augustine, jumped into an uncompleted building. A pursuing forest officer, identified as Mr Eze Ifeanyi, followed him into the structure. Tragically, during the pursuit, both Augustine and Officer Ifeanyi plunged into an abandoned, open well located inside the uncompleted building.
The joint team managed to rescue both individuals from the well and rushed them to the Ogwashi-Uku General Hospital. However, the medical doctor on duty confirmed them dead on arrival. Their bodies have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending an autopsy.
In response to growing speculations surrounding the incident, the Delta State Police Command firmly debunked rumours of violence, clarifying that no shooting took place and no individuals were killed by police gunfire.
SP Edafe Bright expressed the Command’s deep condolences to the families of both Mr Eze Ifeanyi and Mr Adama Augustine, as well as the colleagues of the deceased officer in the Nigerian Forestry and Security Service.
An official investigation into the incident has commenced. The Command has urged residents of Ogwashi-Uku and the wider Delta State to remain calm, disregard unverified rumours, and continue supporting security agencies with information to ensure public safety. #Securitynewsalert.com
