The Nigeria Police Force has officially confirmed the deaths of six officers who were killed while investigating the disappearance of three colleagues in Delta State.
This tragic incident was revealed by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement released on Saturday.
Adejobi disclosed that in addition to the six officers who lost their lives, six others are currently missing, with five suspects already apprehended in connection with the attack.
“The Nigeria 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,” the statement read partly.
“These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while 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.”
The fallen officers were identified as Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.
The missing officers include Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie.
In response to this tragic loss, the Nigeria Police Force pledged to honor the memory of the fallen heroes by posthumously recognizing their bravery and sacrifice at an upcoming awards ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions following the incident. Measures have been initiated to ensure swift justice for the perpetrators, with the arrest of five suspects already underway.
The statement emphasized the commitment of the NPF to supporting the families of the deceased officers, including expediting the processing and payment of all entitlements due to them.
The NPF strongly condemned attacks on law enforcement personnel and urged the public to provide any relevant information that could aid in the apprehension of the remaining perpetrators.
