Notorious Cultists killed, Others Escape In Delta

By Stephen Asaba-ase

The Delta State police command has vowed to clamp down any criminal activities in the state, the Commissioner of police, CP Abaniwona Olufemi also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combat crimes in the State.

According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command Asaba, Bright Edafe
On 6th April, 2024, men of the Nigerian police were responding to a distress call from a resident of Isah Community Ogwashi Uku and that, hoodlums were shooting sporadically in the community forest, the Commander operation Safe Delta deployed police operatives to the area.

He narrated that, the team engagement in a fierce gun duel with the hoodlums, during the gun battle, one of the suspects sustained bullet injuries, and a locally made double barrel cut-to-size gun, and Three Live Cartridges were retrieved from the scene, the wounded suspect were taken to FMC Asaba for medical attention but confirmed dead by a medical doctor.

Four (4) other suspects were arrested at the scene, those arrested included Abua Prosper, Nduka Ashiedu, Abua Monday, and Ogor Okocha all from Isah Ogwashi Uku community. “The arrested suspects and the recovered exhibit are currently in our custody. Preliminary investigation ongoing”, he said.

He also reiterated that the operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) where on another routine patrol along Asaba/Benin Express Way, when they intercepted six unknown gunmen, well armed and other dangerous weapons. While sighting men of the Nigerian police force, the suspects deviced an escape root but two of the suspected armed robbers were apprehended with serious injuries after a long gun duel.

“They were immediately rushed to the hospital and confirmed dead, the other suspects escaped, one locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun loaded with two live cartridges and a battle axe were recovered. Efforts are on to arrest the fleeing suspects”, the statement urged.

Meanwhile, Bright also stated that a credible intelligence report had been gathered that there is an inter confraternity clash between different cult groups currently on Ogwashi-Uku and its environs, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi also gave directives to operatives of Raiders Squad to work meticulously and gather intelligency in bringing a good 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 (01) Locally Made Cut Size Double Barrels and Three (03) live cartridges; one (01) black bag where the locally made cut-to-size pistol was concealed; and one (01) charm designed coweries”.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of Eiye Confraternity, “Exhibits and suspects are in custody and investigation is ongoing as efforts are gear up to arrest the remaining members of the gangs”.