By Sunday Apah
The police in Delta State have killed two armed robbery and kidnapping suspects during a fierce gun battle along the Uwheru-Patani road in the Ughelli North Local Government Area.
In a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, it was reported that six additional suspects, involved in cult activities, kidnapping, and robbery, were arrested in Jesse and Mosogar, located in the Ethiope West Local Government Area.
The statement further detailed the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two Beretta pistols, and several stolen vehicles.
According to the statement, “On October 28, 2024, at approximately 19:48 hours, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) stormed a criminal hideout along the Uwheru-Patani Road in Ughelli LGA. During the operation, the team was ambushed by suspected criminals and engaged them in a fierce gunfight. Two suspects sustained bullet wounds.”
The report continued, “One Beretta pistol loaded with two rounds of live ammunition and one AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the suspects were allegedly responsible for terrorizing the Warri-Sapele road and were involved in several killings in Oghara and Ughelli.”
The injured suspects were transported to the General Hospital in Ughelli for medical attention but were later pronounced dead by the attending physician.
Additionally, acting on credible information, on November 4, 2024, between 03:00 and 05:30 hours, CP-SAT operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested five suspected cultists at various locations in Oton community and Sapele town.
The suspects include Eremoje Dudun Oritsedere, aka “General,” 34, from Deghele community in Warri South West LGA, currently residing in Oton community; Emmanuel Irhurhu, 29, from Oton community in Sapele; Godstime Jacob, 25, from Jesse community in Ethiope West LGA; Ighene Jeffrey, 29, from Jesse Town in Ethiope LGA; and Iboyi Gain, 33, from Mosogar community in Ethiope West LGA.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are believed to be members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
Their arrests were made following confessions by one Philip Okunumah, aka “G3,” 28, from Jesse in Ethiope West LGA, who was previously apprehended and confessed to a series of cult-related killings.
The operation also led to the recovery of an abandoned operational Toyota Corolla with the registration number KWL 635 BU, along with a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
