THE Nigeria Police Force has expressed sadness over the gruesome murder of six officers while investigating the disappearance of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State.
The police confirmed that six other officers who participated in the patrol were missing in action.
A statement by the force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that the “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.”
This was as the Police confirmed that five suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of six policemen had been arrested.
While noting that the force was committed to honouring the memory of the fallen officers for their sacrifice, the police said it would posthumously honour the slain officers at the Nigeria Police Awards Ceremony on April 5th, 2024.
Adejobi also noted that the bodies of six of the slain officers had been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits, adding that the Force focussed on the search for the other six officers.
He further said the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they might encounter.
“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.
“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,” the statement added.
The police, therefore, strongly condemned any further assaults on officers and other law enforcement personnel who selflessly dedicate themselves to safeguarding the lives and property of all citizens.
The statement added that Egbetokun vowed to pursue justice for all fallen officers and urged public cooperation in apprehending perpetrators.
This recent killings of the policemen in Delta came a week after The ICIR reported how 15 military personnel, consisting of two majors, one captain, and 12 soldiers, were allegedly murdered by some youths in the Okuama community.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, March 14, happened when the deceased were responding to a crisis between Okuama and Okoloba communities in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.
The attack has since led to an alleged reprisal attack on the community by the military, with many residents said to have deserted their houses.
