By Augustine Ehikioya
In efforts to rid Delta State of crimes, the State’s Police officials have killed one armed robbery suspect in a gun duel.
Another armed robbery suspect also died from jungle justice metted out on him.
Some guns and cartridges were also recovered from the suspects.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It said “On 13/01/2023 at about 1645hrs, acting on a tip-off that some suspected notorious armed robbers who have been on the command’s wanted list over their involvement in a foiled robbery operation on 23/06/2022 in Orogun community, were seen gathered within the Unukpo – Orogun Palm Tree Plantation.
“The DPO Orogun division in a proactive move to forestall another attack, mobilized and led Police operatives to the area. As they were approaching the scene, the hoodlums opened fire on the Police which the Police equally responded.
“The hoodlums took to flight due to the superior fire power of the Police but during the ensuing gun duel, the gang leader, one Bobo Ononibe ‘m’ aged 26yrs of Ufuoma Street, Unukpo – Orogun community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, sustained serious gunshot injuries, he was taken to the hospital where he was later certified dead by the doctor on duty.
“One locally made cut-to-size gun, three (03) cartridges, one machete, one dagger, native charms among others were recovered. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing members of the gang.
Citing another case, the statement said “In another development, on 16/01/2023 at about 1125 hours, the DPO Agbarho Division received a distress call that some members of Ewherhe community, Agbarho, Ughelli North LGA, caught a suspected armed robber along Ewherhe/Ovu road with one locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun and one live cartridge, some suspected stolen items which includes, one Iphone 11 pro-max, one HP laptop, one mp3 player and cash sum of eight thousand, two hundred and twenty naira (N8,220) and that the suspect was being mobbed.
“The DPO detailed patrol teams to proceed, on getting to the scene, the mob escaped leaving the suspect badly beaten. Although the suspect was rescued and taken to the hospital, he died while receiving treatment. Investigation is ongoing.”
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, the statement said, applauded the gallantry of the operatives of Orogun division for their bravery.
He also condemned jungle justice, and advised members of the public to desist from it.
Noting that jungle justice is not the right thing to do, he said “but to hand over suspects to the Police for diligent investigation and prosecution.”