Suspected gunmen kill 3 policemen in Delta

By Sylvester Idowu, Warri

Gunmen alleged to be members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Saturday reportedly killed three policemen and carted away two AK 47 rifles at Okpanam community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that another policeman was seriously injured in the attack, and is currently admitted to an undisclosed hospital in the area.

Source told THISDAY that the policemen were attacked at about 5 a.m, shortly after driving out of Okpanam Police Division in response to a distressed call.

According to the source, the Divisional Police Officer of Okpanam Division, identified as Gambo, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) dispatched the team in response to a report by one Ruji that a vigilante in his street was being attacked.

“The DPO detailed the patrol men, four in number, but as the patrol team drove out of the station, unknown men suspected to be IPOB opened fire on them and killed three on the spot”, the source added.

The three deceased policemen were identified as Eke Francis, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP); Inspector Joshua Akengbo and Corporal Perekedo Unene while Bassey Wisdom, rank yet to be identified, sustained fatal injuries and receiving treatment.

Sources disclosed that two AK 47 rifles were carted away by the suspected IPOB members allegedly led by a kingpin popularly known as “Okputo” in the area.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright confirmed the attack, adding that an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators of the dastardly act.