Ndudi Anyim
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have rescued six passengers alive, after their bus was attacked by suspected kidnappers at Okutolo Warri-Sapele Road.
While the driver of the bus and one other passenger died from gunshot wounds, the Police command said it has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
According to a statement by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright, information got to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Orerokpe Division, that a Toyota Sienna bus with Registration Number BWR 301 SU, was under attack by hoodlums armed with AK47 rifles.
“ They shot and injured the driver and a woman, other passengers were dragged into the bush. The DPO, Ojo Oluwole, a Superintendent of Police (SP), swiftly mobilized patrol teams, assisted by military patrol team to the scene and they went after the kidnappers into the forest.
“ The men did not relent as they gave the kidnappers a hot chase, the hoodlums who could no longer withstand the pressure quickly abandoned the kidnapped victims and fled. The patrol teams successfully rescued the six kidnapped passengers which included Edoma Rita, Evelyn Chinwekwe, Believe Omoruyi, Linus Kojo, Idolo Christina, and Ojemudia Esther.
“ An injured passenger was rushed to the hospital but was later confirmed dead on admission, her corpse and that of the driver were deposited in a mortuary. Expended shells of 7.62, 39mm ammunition were recovered from the scene.
“ Manhunt for the arrest of the hoodlums is ongoing while the Commissioner of Police is appealing to members of the public to avail the Police with any useful information that will help to arrest these hoodlums, ” Bright stated.
In another development, three members of Arrow Barger Confraternity, have been arrested by Police surveillance team of Orogun Division assisted by the Anti-Cult group in the area.
It was gathered that operatives raided a notorious cult hideout at small market junction Orogun, where Aworo Efe, 25, Ogene Obiobor, 28, and one Great (alias community), 30, were arrested.
The PPRO said: “ The teams were attacked by the cultists but for the resilience by the surveillance team, the cultist were over powered, they are currently been interrogated and have given information to the Police that will lead to the arrest of other gang members.
“ Parent and guardian are therefore advised to look after their wards and do all they can to discourage them from participating in cultism as this is the mother of virtually all crimes in the country today.
“ The Commissioner of Police, CP Ari Muhammed Ali remains committed in the fight against criminals and will continue to do so with the support of all Deltans to make Delta State a safe place for all. ”