A tragic incident has struck the Delta State Police Command as the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and his team were ambushed and killed during a nighttime rescue mission aimed at freeing kidnapped victims.
Another DPO is currently in critical condition at an undisclosed hospital following the failed operation.
The ambush occurred around 1:00 a.m. on Monday near the Agbarho rail station, during an attempt to rescue the victims.
The newly appointed DPO of Agbarho, who had only been in his position for two days, and DPO Orerokpe, CSP Paul, led the rescue mission when their team was attacked by unknown assailants.
Delta Human Rights Activist, Comrade Israel Joe, broke the news on his official Facebook page, detailing the events of the ill-fated mission.
He wrote, “The new DPO Agbarho, who just resumed two days ago, alongside DPO Orerokpe CSP Paul and their men, went for a kidnapping rescue operation when they were ambushed close to the Agbarho rail station.
The new DPO and several officers were killed, while DPO Orerokpe has been rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is fighting for his life.”
Comrade Joe expressed deep sorrow over the loss, recounting his recent interaction with the Agbarho DPO, who had swiftly intervened to address complaints about misconduct by his officers.
“This is very tearful. I can attest to the character of these men. None of these demons should be spared by the force,” Joe added.
The police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the ambush and clarified that only the Agbarho DPO had been lost during the attack.
“They (the police team) were ambushed, but it’s only the DPO that we lost,” Edafe stated.
Further details regarding the incident are expected to follow as investigations continue.
