By Deborah Sanusi
The Nigeria Police Force has confirmed the deaths of six officers killed while investigating the disappearance of three colleagues in Delta State.
The Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Adejobi added that six other officers are still missing and five suspects have been arrested in connection with the killings.
The statement partly read, “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.
“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 FPRO identified the deceased officers as Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Inspector Friday Irorere, Sergeant Kuden Elisha, Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Sergeant Ayere Paul, and Sergeant Ejemito Friday.
He also identified the missing officers as Inspector Onoja Daniel, Inspector Onogho Felix, Inspector Emmanuel Okoroafor, Inspector Joel Hamidu, Sergeant Moses Eduvie, and Sergeant Cyril Okorie.
The statement further added that the NPF will posthumously recognise the officers for their service and sacrifice at an upcoming awards ceremony.
It also stated its commitment to supporting the families of the deceased officers.
The statement added, “Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force is committed to honouring the memory of our fallen heroes by recognising their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
“In accordance with this commitment, the Force will posthumously honour the slain officers for their noble service and ultimate sacrifice at the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations Ceremony scheduled for April 5th, 2024, in Abuja.
“In response to this grievous loss, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has taken decisive actions as expected.
“The bodies of six of the slain officers have been recovered after a fierce search conducted by a combined team of police officers and other security outfits.
“The Force is focused on the search for the other six officers, while all their families have been duly contacted.
“Additionally, the Inspector General of Police has mandated the expedited processing and payment of all entitlements due to the families of the fallen officers, aiming to alleviate any financial burdens they may encounter in this challenging time.
“Similarly, immediate measures have been initiated to ensure that justice is served swiftly and the perpetrators of this abhorrent crime are brought to justice.
“The Inspector General of Police has mandated the deployment of all necessary resources and personnel to apprehend those responsible for this senseless killing of our officers, and this has led to the arrest of five suspects in connection with the preceding incident and the killing, who are currently volunteering information necessary for the rounding up of all the perpetrators.”
In the statement, the NPF condemned attacks on law enforcement personnel and urged the public to come forward with any information that could aid in the apprehension of the remaining perpetrators.
17 soldiers of the Nigerian Army were killed in Delta State last Thursday.
The fallen soldiers, serving with the 181 Amphibious Battalion, were on a peace-keeping mission to quell community clashes in Bomadi Local Government of Delta State when the incident occurred.
