Police Thwart Kidnapping in Fierce Shootout

Police in Delta State has halted a kidnapping attempt in Oghara Kingdom, following a tense confrontation with suspected kidnappers.

According to a statement released on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the incident occurred on August 13, 2024, during the graduation ceremony at Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, Ethiope West Local Government Area.

Acting on credible intelligence, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oghara Division, Olasunkanmi Musiliu, mobilized his team after receiving a tip-off that a group of kidnappers had planned to abduct guests attending the event.

The police operatives swiftly moved to the suspected kidnappers’ hideout in a bush along Otefe/Ovade Legit Road.

EDITOR’S PICK:

• Venezuelan Protests Surge Over Presidential Election Results
• Russians in Kursk Take Shelter as Ukraine Advances
• Blinken Touches Down in Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Push

Upon seeing the approaching officers, the suspects fled, sustaining various gunshot wounds during the ensuing gun battle.

The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, an English pump-action gun, and a locally made cut-to-size gun from the scene.

The police have since launched a manhunt for the suspects who managed to escape.

In a related development, on August 14, 2024, at around 7:45 PM, an anti-crime patrol team from Oghara Division intercepted a motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation along Otefe Ijomi community road.

The motorcycle was carrying two students from Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe, Oghara—22-year-old Ovoke Benedict, a computer science student, and 23-year-old Fredrick Urhoborume, a business administration student.

During the search, the officers recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun and six live cartridges from the duo.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the two students are suspected members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed gratitude to the public for their support and urged them to continue providing “useful, credible, and timely information to the police.”

He emphasized that this cooperation is crucial in combating crime and criminality in the state.

The CP also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities either at the nearest police station or via the command’s control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.

As part of efforts to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, and related crimes, the CP has instructed all DPOs to ensure thorough policing of their areas of responsibility.

He stressed the importance of visibility patrols and a proactive approach to policing under his leadership.

CLICK TO WATCH OUR VIDEO OF THE WEEK