By Austin Ogwuda
AT last, the identities of the six policemen who were ambushed and killed at a checkpoint in Ohoro village, Delta State have been released by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He said that the affected families of the fallen officers have been officially communicated, saying that plans were already underway to give them posthumous Awards next month in Abuja.
The Force spokesperson assured the bereaved families that action was as well being taken to ensure early payment of all their entitlements to them inorder to alleviate any financial burdens they might be encountering.
The statement reads in part: “The Nigerian Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six 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. They were undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six 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
by recognizing their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
“The Inspector General of Police”, the statement went on, “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”.
He gave the names of the Policemen as follows:
Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT) enlisted on 1st August, 2003; Inspector Friday Irorere (51 PMF) enlisted on 1st January, 2003; Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October 2011; Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT) enlisted on 17th October, 2011; and Sergeant Ejemito Friday (51 PMF) enlisted on 17th October, 2011.
“While the officers currently missing in action include Inspector Onoja Daniel enlisted on 1st February, 2003; Inspector Onogho Felix enlisted on 1st January, 2004; Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor enlisted on 1st April, 2004; Inspector Joel Hamidu enlisted on 1st June 2006, Sergeant Moses Eduvie enlisted 17th October 2011, all of 51 PMF; and Sergeant Cyril Okorie (SWAT) enlisted 17th October, 2011″.
Recall that the said the incident happened at a nipping point (check point) by Ohoror community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, Nigeria over a month ago.
According to an witness account, “While they were at the nipping point, a young man simply identified as Moses Progress, 22, from the Uwheru community came to inform the team that he was robbed of his phone and money by suspected herdsmen under a nearby bridge close to their point while performing rituals to the god of the river.
“Consequently, the leader of the patrol team reportedly detailed the three inspectors to follow the complainant to the scene, armed with their AK-47 rifles.
“While waiting for the return of the three inspectors, the team later saw the complainant on a speeding motorcycle without our men.
“He was stopped to inquire about the three mobile police officers who went with him. It was at that juncture that he told them that, when they got to the scene, they were attacked at the bush by six herdsmen and he had to escape while the policemen ran in different directions.
“When he told our men that he did not know the whereabouts of the police officers who went with him, there was no option than to arrest him after they called for backup”, stated the source as collaborated by the Delta State police command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, SP.
