- Asks Delta CP To Bring Killers To Justice
By Ameachi Prosper & Gbenga Abulude
Delta State Police Command has confirmed the killing of a police officer following an attacked on police patrol team by protesters of ‘ENDSARS’ in Ughelli, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Thursday.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, who confirmed the killing in a statement made available to newsmen, said Corporal Etaga Stanley attached to ‘A’ division Ughelli was attacked and killed and his service Rifle AK 47 with 25 rounds of ammunition stolen by the hoodlums.
According to him, “in anticipation of violent protest by hoodlums sponsored by internet fraudsters ‘Yahoo Boys’ masquerading with #ENDSARS Protesters, several patrol teams were deployed to Otovwodo junction in Ughelli to prevent breakdown of law and order and allow free movement of law abiding citizens and traffic.
“In a similar circumstance, Police Sergeant Patrick Okuone attached to Eagle-net squad was shot and injured and Police Patrol vehicles equally damaged as a result of gunshot targeted at the Police men by the Protesters.
He said, police team responded and arrested 9 suspects, impounded 7 vehicles and 6 mobile Phones belonging to the criminal elements were recovered from the scene saying the injured officer is now on admission in hospital, while reinforcements sent to deal with the situation.
The Commissioner, who described the incident as provocative, cruel and unwarranted, warned that the command will no longer tolerate any attack on its personnel by any individual or group protesting under any guise.
While admitting that protest by citizens remains a legitimate means for airing their concerns and views, it must however be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the ambit of the law.
“Any violent protest and attack on policemen will be viewed seriously and resisted with minimum force. The convener or organizer of such a protest will be held liable and made to face the full wrath of the law along with any other perpetrators.
The CP called on the people of the Delta State to exercise restraint and be patient with the ongoing reforms on SARS already initiated by the Inspector General of Police to curb the excesses of the unit with a view to meet the yearnings and aspirations of members of the public.
He however, reassures that the command will continue to comply with the Inspector General of Police directives towards preventing any violation of the rights of the citizens and bridging the gap between the Police and members of the public.
The CP, while condoling with the family and friends of the late Corporal Etaga Stanley who paid the supreme price in the service of our dear nation, equally commended the officers and men of the command for exercising restraint in the face of the immoral and unjustified provocation, assuring all that the perpetrators and collaborators of the dastardly acts will be brought to book
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has condemned the attack by ‘EndSARS’ protesters on policemen in Ughelli.
He directed the Commissioner of Police in the state to conduct an investigation into the unfortunate incident, fish out the perpetrators and bring thrm to book.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), DCP Frank Mba on Friday in Abuja, Adamu said the attack and brutal murder of the policeman by the protesters also left Sgt. Patrick Okuone with injury from a gunshot by the protesters.
According to him, the protesters also carted away one service AK47 rifle with breach no 56-2609008 and 25 rounds of live ammunition with the deceased at the time of the incident.
Adamu described the incident as cruel and unjustifiable and warned that the police force would no longer tolerate any attack on its personnel or any member of the law enforcement community.
He said that although protests by citizens remain legitimate means for voicing their concerns and views but it “must be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the confines of the law’’.
The IGP condoled the family and friends of the late policeman who paid the huge price in the service of the country.
Adamu commended the personnel of the Police Command in Delta for exercising restraint in the face of the immoral and unjustified provocation.
He directed the Commissioner of Police in the state “to carry out an investigation into the unfortunate incident, root-out the perpetrators and bring the killer protesters to book.’’
Recall that the EndSARS protest which started on social media and has gone nationwide, was organized to protest against police brutality on citizens by Special Anti-Robbery Squad unit of the Police Force.
The IGP in curtailing the excesses of SARS, on Sunday ordered that the unit and other Special Tactical Squad should desist from stop and search patrols on the roads.
Despite this, some Nigerian citizens including celebrities in the music industry, went ahead to physically protest in Lagos, Abuja, Kwara and other cities including Ughelli in Delta State.
