In a tragic turn of events, six policemen were killed in an ambush in Delta State, just days after 16 soldiers met a similar fate, according to a statement by ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.
This incident occurred within a week of the ambush that claimed the lives of 16 members of the Nigerian Army in the Okuama community in the same state. Adejobi also reported that six other officers are currently unaccounted for, and five individuals have been apprehended in relation to the incident.
The ambush was orchestrated by kidnappers and criminals in the Ohoro forest. A combined team of police officers and other security personnel conducted an intensive search, resulting in the recovery of the bodies of the six fallen officers.
The Force is currently concentrating its efforts on locating the six missing officers, and all their families have been informed, stated the Police authorities. The deceased officers were identified as Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF), Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF), Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF), Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT), and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF).
The missing officers include Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, all from 51 PMF, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie from SWAT.
Following the attack, the Inspector General of Police has ordered the mobilization of all necessary resources and personnel to capture those responsible for this heinous act. Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the incident and are currently providing information to aid in the capture of all involved parties.
The Nigerian Police Force expressed deep sorrow over the loss of six brave officers in Delta State, who displayed extraordinary courage in the face of danger. These valiant officers were tragically ambushed by armed attackers while on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State.
The Force extends its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this time of immense grief. The Nigeria Police Force is committed to honoring the memory of our fallen heroes by acknowledging their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
In line with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honor the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024 in Abuja.
In response to this tragic loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken decisive actions. He has also 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 during this challenging time.
Immediate measures have been initiated to ensure swift justice, 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.
