Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have thwarted a kidnapping attempt by a syndicate in Oghara Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area. The police engaged the suspects in a gunfight, successfully preventing the abduction.
According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, SP Bright Edafe, on August 13, 2024, during the graduation ceremony at Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, the Divisional Police Officer, Chief Superintendent Olasunkanmi Musiliu, received credible information about a planned kidnapping targeting the event’s guests. Acting swiftly, Musiliu led a team to the suspects’ hideouts in a bush along Otefe/Ovade Legit Road.
When the police arrived, the suspects fled, sustaining various gunshot injuries during the exchange. The police recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, one English pump-action gun, and one locally made cut-to-size gun. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects is currently underway.
Additionally, on August 14, 2024, at around 19:45 hrs, the police anti-crime patrol team from Oghara Division intercepted a motorcycle along Otefe Ijomi Community Road.
The motorcycle was carrying two individuals: Ovoke Benedict, 22, a Computer Science student from Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, and Fredrick Urhoborume, 23, a Business Administration student from the same institution. During a search, the police found a locally made cut-to-size gun with six live cartridges on it.
Preliminary investigations suggest that they are suspected members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity. The investigation is ongoing.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, thanked the public for their support and encouraged them to provide more useful, credible, and timely information to assist the police.
According to the police chief, “This will greatly aid in the fight against crime and criminality.”
The Commissioner of Police advised that “members of the public can reach out to the Command either by reporting to the police station nearest to them or by calling the following control room numbers: 08036684974; 08114895600; 08025666914.”
In a bid to tackle the issues of kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes in the state, the Commissioner of Police has issued directives to all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
The Commissioner has emphasized the importance of ensuring thorough policing within their respective areas of responsibility and has encouraged the adoption of community-based policing strategies. Additionally, all DPOs are instructed to implement visibility patrols and adopt a proactive approach to policing to enhance security and address criminal activities effectively.
