Police Confirm Murder of 12 Personnel in Delta Bush, Set to Honour Them

The police have finally confirmed the death of 12 policemen in Ohoro forest in Delta State. While six bodies have been recovered, six others were still missing at the time of this report. The officers were on a mission to rescue three of their colleagues who were abducted by suspected herdsmen, who ambushed the officers and killed them in the most horrific manner.

The police authority had kept mum over the incident till some aggrieved police officers raised concerns after they saw how the military authority and the Federal Government took up the matter of the recently slain 20 soldiers in the same Delta State.

Some policemen were not happy that the military and the FG took up the case of the slain soldiers seriously, while the police were mum over their own personnel. One of the aggrieved policemen, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “We may have no option than to protest the death of 19 of our colleagues. Our men were killed about one month before the death of some soldiers, yet the police management team kept quiet while the military raised the alarm and received attention from the FG and the entire Nigerians. Are we not the same security agents? Why would the military receive attention, but the police have not? It is because the police kept quiet.

“If we had committed any offence, the police  management team would have paraded those found culpable. We are not happy the way we are being handled. The police authority is discouraging us”.

Following the alarm raised by the aggrieved policemen, the police have confirmed that six of their personnel were gruesomely murdered by gunmen and have promised to compensate the deceased families.

The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO ), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said: “The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six courageous officers in Delta State, who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity. “These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six others are currently missing-in-action.

“Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in solidarity with them, offering our deepest condolences and earnestly praying for the peaceful repose of the departed souls.“The deceased officers include: Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), enlisted on August 1, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on January 1, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on October 17, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on October 17, 2011.

The officers currently missing-in-action include Inspector Onoja Daniel, enlisted on February 1, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix, enlisted on January 1, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, enlisted April 1, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu, enlisted on June 1, 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October, 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT), enlisted on October 17, 2011.

“Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognising their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice. In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5, 2024, in Abuja.

“In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken decisive actions as expected. The bodies of six of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits. The Force is focussed on the search for the other six officers, while all their families have been duly contacted. “Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.

“Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice. The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five  suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.

“It is paramount to underscore that contrary to perceived notions in some quarters, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to responding decisively to the loss of its officers and men as a result of the many unforeseen hazards associated with our job due to the dynamics of crimes and criminality globally. “Recent incidents, such as the murder of SP Angbashim in Rivers State, where the perpetrators have been painstakingly traced to their hideout and decimated during the exchange of gunfire with gallant operatives of the Force is a vital pointer.

“Notable, also, is the swift and robust response to the attack on the Police Command Headquarters in Adamawa State, where one Inspector Jacob Daniel was gruesomely murdered, which was followed by a visit to Adamawa State by the IGP, and timeous response by Mr. President upon being briefed. Equally, efforts were intensified in that regard to seek redress and ensure sanctions for the attackers.

“The Nigeria Police Force unequivocally condemns any further assaults on police officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens, reiterating the NPF’s dedication to upholding law and order, and urging our officers to remain resolute in the discharge of their lawful duties, undeterred by such cowardly acts. Similarly, individuals and groups peddling unnecessary and insensitive publications being circulated in the media space are urged not to make light of this loss to the NPF, but to sympathise with the police in these sorrowful times.

“The Inspector General of Police, while assuring police officers and men, as well as the public that no effort will be spared in bringing the perpetrators of this heinous act to justice, as the killers have murdered sleep and will be tracked down to account for their reprehensible acts, calls upon well-meaning members of the public to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force by providing any pertinent information that may aid in the apprehension of the perpetrators. Together, we will ensure that justice is served and peace and security prevail throughout the country”.

Source: The Sun