The Delta State Police Command verified the murder of Agbarho’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO) by suspected kidnappers.
Speaking with Vanguard, the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that the unfortunate occurrence occurred in the early hours of Monday in Agbarho, debunking earlier reports that it occurred in Orerokpe.
He explained that the DPO, who was leading a security operation to curb criminal activities in the area, was gunned down by suspected kidnappers.
He asked that the officer’s identity be withheld out of respect for the deceased.
“It is true that our DPO in Agbarho was shot dead by suspected kidnappers during a security operation. We ask that his name be kept out of the media for now,” Edafe said.
He also stated that the DPO of Orerokpe, who was also involved in the operation, suffered injuries but is now in stable condition at an unidentified hospital.
Meanwhile, community sources reported that Agbarho vigilante members had initiated a search in the adjacent bushes where the crime occurred, seeking to unearth clues that would lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.
“Vigilante members have been in the bush since morning, searching for any clues that could aid the investigation and subsequent security operations,” said a source, who asked to remain anonymous.