BY JOEL GRANDBALL & JERRY OMOKRI/UGHELLI
TWO suspected kidnappers and armed robbers have been confirmed dead from bullet injuries in a gun duel with the Delta State CP Special Assignment Team in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Though the identity of the deceased suspects remain unknown, as they were confirmed dead by Medical Doctor at the Ughelli Central Hospital.
It was learned that the police recovered one Ak-47 rifle, two Barreta pistols and some suspected stolen vehicles
In a statement by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, “On 28/10/2024 at about 1948hrs Operatives of CP- Special Assignment Team CP-SAT) stormed a criminal hideout along Uwheru – Patani road In Ughellli local government area.
“During the operation, the officers were ambushed by the suspected hoodlums and the team engaged them in a fierce gun duel during which two of the suspects sustained bullet injuries.
“One Beretta Pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition, and one AK-47 rifle loaded with six(6) rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
According to Edafe, “Investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for terrorizing Warri – Sapele road, Mosogar axis some killings in Oghara and Ughelli.
“The injured suspects were taken to General Hospital Ughelli for medical attention but were later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. Investigation is ongoing.”
In a related development, Edafe also revealed that “acting on credible information, on 04/11/2024 between 0300hrs to 0530hrs operatives of CP- Special Assignment Team (CP -SAT ) led by ASP Julius Robinson at various locations of Oton community and Sapele town arrested five suspected cultists.
The suspects, Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere aka (General) ‘m’ 34yrs of Deghele community in Warri South West local government area of the state but a resident of Oton Community in Sapele, who was alleged to have in his possession the gang’s AK 47 rifle, Emmanuel Irhurhu m” 29yrs of Oton community in Sapele, and Godstime Jacob m” 25yrs, Ighene Jeffrey m” 29yrs of both of Jesse community and Iboyi Gain m” 33yrs of Mosoga community all in Ethiope West local government area of Delta State. SP Edafe, who disclosed that the arrested suspects were suspected to be members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, were arrested on the strength of confessions made by one Philip Okunumah aka “G3” m” 28yrs of Jesse community that was earlier arrested and confessed to a series of cult-related killings.
“An abandoned operational Toyota Corolla with Reg No KWL 635 BU and a Beretta Pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
“The commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda urges parents and guardians to discourage their children and wards from all cult-related activities and also advises members of the public to contact the police and report any suspicious persons or movement in their environment.”
