Delta State witnesses yet another devastating blow to the nation’s security apparatus with the tragic killing of six police officers in an ambush.
Confirming the grim news, the Nigeria Police revealed that six other officers are still missing.
This incident adds to the shock following the March 14th killing of 18 army officers and men by youths in Okuama, also in Delta State.
The police authorities mourned the loss of these brave officers and described it as profoundly devastating.
Among the fallen were two inspectors and four sergeants.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the officers were on a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State when they fell into the ambush.
Though the exact date of the incident wasn’t disclosed, sources indicate that they had been missing since January. Some of the officers’ decomposing bodies have been recovered by a joint team of security forces and local vigilantes in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The victims hailed from Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Abuja, Police Mobile Force (PMF) 51 Oghara, and Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba in Delta State.
The Nigeria Police Force expressed condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers and pledged to honor their memory at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony slated for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has taken decisive actions, including the recovery of six bodies, while efforts continue to locate the missing officers. The families of the deceased will receive expedited processing and payment of entitlements.
Swift measures are underway to bring the perpetrators to justice, with five suspects already in custody volunteering crucial information.
The Nigeria Police Force vehemently condemns such attacks on law enforcement personnel and urges the public to assist in apprehending the culprits.
Meanwhile, a joint security team, including local hunters, retrieved the officers’ bodies from the forest. The incident stems from a distress call in January, where three officers went missing while responding to a robbery report.
The recovered bodies are currently at Mariere Central Hospital morgue in Ughelli, Delta State, as investigations continue.
The recent spate of violence, including the killing of 18 army officers, underscores the urgent need for security measures and collaboration to ensure peace and stability in the region.
