It was the end of the road for three suspected robbers as they were shot dead during encounter with the police in Delta State.
While two were shot dead during a shootout with the police in one operation, the other one was killed in a separate encounter.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP Bright Edafe, gave a graphic account on how the suspects met their death.
He said, On Wednesday April 3, 2024, at about 9:45 am , in response to a distress call from a resident of Isah Community Ogwashi Uku that hoodlums bearing guns were shooting sporadically in the community forest, the Commander Safe Delta, deployed police operatives to the area. The team upon arrival was engaged in a fierce gun duel by the hoodlums;during the gun duel, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries and a locally made double barrel gun, and three live cartridges were recovered from the scene. The wounded suspect was taken to Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Asaba for medical attention, but he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
“Four other suspects: Abua Prosper, Nduka Ashiedu, Abua Monday, and Ogor Okocha from Isah Ogwashi Uku community were arrested at the scene.The arrested suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently in our custody preliminary investigation ongoing.
“Also, on April 1, at about 9 : am , operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS),while on routine patrol along Asaba/Benin Express Way encountered a group of about six ctl gunmen all armed with guns and other dangerous weapons. On sighting the operatives the suspects in a bid to escape had an encounter with operatives, during the gun duel, two of the suspected robbers were arrested with serious gunshot injuries.
“They were immediately taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead, while other suspects escaped. One locally double barrel gun loaded with two live cartridges and a battle axe were recovered. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects.
“In another incident, on April 4, on credible intelligence gathering on inter confraternity clashes among different cult groups ongoing in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi directed that the operatives of Raiders Squad work meticulously on the gathered intelligence, and bring the adequate result to that effect. Upon the strength of the stern directive of the CP, the operatives raided one hotel in Issele – Azagba; and during the raid, one 29-year-old male suspect, Joseph Jonathan, a native of Ika North-East was arrested. Immediately, a search was conducted, and the following were recovered: one locally made double Barrels and three live cartridges; one (01) black bag where the locally made pistol was concealed; and one charm designed coweries. During interrogation, he confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity. Exhibits and suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing as efforts are on top gear to arrest other members of the gangs”.
