By Ken Afor
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive for the immediate disbursement of entitlements to the families of officers who were reportedly killed in an ambush while investigating the disappearance of their colleagues in Ohoro Forest in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday.
According to ACP Adejobi, in line with the Force’s commitment to honouring the memory of the slain officers by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice to the nation, the officers will be honoured posthumously for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the upcoming Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony, slated for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.
The deceased officers were identified as Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.
Also, the missing officers are Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT).
The police spokesman said: “The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six (6) 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 (6) 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.
“Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognizing 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 5th, 2024 in Abuja.
“In response to this grievous loss, the IGP has taken decisive actions as expected. The bodies of six (6) 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 (6) missing 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 (5) 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”.
It would be recalled on January 24, 2024, in Ohoror community, Ughelli North, Delta State, three police officers who were reportedly assigned to a location following a distress call from an individual named Moses Progress, who claimed to have been robbed by suspected herdsmen while conducting a ritual near a bridge close to the assigned location.
The three officers who responded to the distress call did not return.
However, few days later, their bodies were recovered by local vigilantes in the forest.
