The Delta State Police Command announced that it has killed a notorious armed robber, arrested gang member and recovered arms when it responded to a distress call from residents of Okpanam and Orerokpe local government areas of the State.
The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edafe Bright, said in a statement that the robbers engaged the police in a gun duel, which led to the death one of the suspects while receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
The statement reads: “CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reassures his commitment to leave no room for criminality to grow or thrive in Delta State and affirms the Command’s resolve to pursue and prosecute criminals to the fullest extent of the law.
“Following complaints on the robbery incidents at Redeem Road, Okpanam town, and other parts of the State, the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi issued a firm warning to the DPOS and Area commander in Asaba on the need to step up and nip this ugly trend in the bud.
“In line with this directive, on 04/03/24 at about 0255hrs, while working on a distress call, the DELTA HAWK Team collaborating with the Okpanam Divisional Police Headquarters, proceeded to Marble Hill Junction in response to a distress call about an ongoing armed robbery operation at Play Learn Academy School.
“The officers mounted surveillance within the scene of the robbery, where they sighted an Okada rider and two occupants.
“Upon sighting the team advancing towards them, they took to their heels and immediately started shooting at the police operatives.
“During the gun duel, one of the suspected armed robbers sustained gunshot injuries, while one English Pump Action gun, and one cut-to-size single barrel gun with three cartridges were recovered.
“The injured suspect was taken to the Hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Efforts are on top gear to recover more firearms and further arrest other fleeing suspects.
“In another incident, on 01/03/2024 at about 1950hrs, following information from a lady (name withheld), a female resident who reported that at about 1915hrs of same date, while she boarded a tricycle (Keke) from PTI Junction to Orerokpe Community with two other passengers including the driver, that while approaching Okudiete Community in Okpe LGA, the three boys suddenly attacked and pushed her out of the moving tricycle, making away with her phone, handbag containing money and other valuables.
“The victim immediately boarded another tricycle and reported the incident to Orerokpe Police Division.
“Upon receipt of the report, the DPO Orerokpe CSP Paul Oboware deployed his Visibility Patrol Team on a stop and search duty at Oha Junction.
“Sequel to the tip-off, the patrol team swiftly gave the robbers a hurt chase and succeeded in arresting two of the suspects.
Meanwhile, one of the hoodlums escaped through the bush, and all items robbed from the victim were recovered from the robbers including a tricycle with REG NO: ASB56QD.
The image maker disclosed that “preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious robbers who specialize in robbing unsuspecting passengers of their personal belongings while in transit on a tricycle” assuring that, efforts are ongoing to arrest the other fleeing suspect and to discover other associates of the syndicate.
The Police Spokesperson said CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reassures the steadfastness and commitment to uphold law and order in Delta State.
He further appealed to the public to be law-abiding and live within the ambit of the law, urging that anyone with information on crime can always reach out through the CONTROL ROOM numbers: 08036684974; 08125958005; 09053872287, that callers may opt to remain anonymous.
He noted that while the police command has the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and properties, the citizens in turn have the responsibility of helping the police achieve their mandate by reaching out to the police.
