Gunmen ambush police team, kill DPO in Delta

The Nigeria Police, Delta Command has confirmed the death of a Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Agbarho Division in Ughelli North Local Government by persons said to be kidnappers.

The command’s Spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident on Monday in Warri in a telephone interview.

Edafe said that also shot was Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Paul Obaware, the DPO for Orerokpe Division, who was said to have accompanied the deceased.

Edafe said the deceased and Obaware, in the company of other police personnel, had gone for an operation in Agbarho Community.

He said that the suspected  kidnappers ambushed the police team and opened fire on the team, killing the DPO.

Edafe confirmed that Obaware was now in stable condition.

“It is confirmed, we lost him; they went for an operation and Obaware, who sustained gunshot injuries, is now stable,” Edafe said.

Sources at Agbarho, said that the deceased DPO, simply identified as CSP Jega, assumed duty on Thursday.

The source added that the unfortunate incident occurred at about 1:00a.m on Monday within the neighbourhood of the Agbarho train station.

Meanwhile, human rights activist, Mr Israel Joe, expressed shock at the development.

“I feel very pained about this development. This was the same DPO I spoke with on Sunday about the conduct of his men and he resolved the situation immediately.

“This is very painful, I can to some extent attest to the character of this man.

“I wish to convey my condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the CP, Delta Command.

“Also to the entire family and friends of the police who lost their lives in the line of duty,” he said.

Joe,  however, urged the command to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book.