From Our Correspondent
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have killed a Divisional Police Officer, DPO, and other police officers in Delta State.
AljazirahNigeria gathered that the gunmen ambushed and shot dead the officers, including the DPO of Agbarho Division in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
It was learnt that the operation took place around 1am yesterday.
It was learnt that the gunmen also shot and injured the DPO of Orerokpe Division, during the rescue mission in an attack that occurred near Agbarho train station.
Sources said the gunmen engaged the police operatives in a shootout, during which the DPO of Agbarho Division and some officers were killed.
The DPO of Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital and is in critical condition.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with our correspondent in Warri.
“They were ambushed, but it is only the DPO that we lost,” Edafe stated.
Reacting to the incident, a Niger Delta human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe described it as a significant blow to the state police command.
Expressing his grief, Joe said, “I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday regarding the conduct of his men who demanded money from a citizen. He immediately resolved the situation, cautioning his men not to try that again under his watch.
“This is very tearful. I can, to some extent, attest to the character of these men.”
He extended his condolences to the Delta State Police Command and the family of the deceased DPO, urging the police to do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.
“I wish to convey my condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, and the entire family and friends of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. None of these demons should be spared by the force,” he added.
It was gathered that the deceased DPO had resumed duty just two days before his untimely death.
