In a major crackdown on criminal activities in Delta State, one suspected kidnapper was confirmed dead following a gun battle with the police, while eight others were arrested for kidnapping and cultism in separate operations across the state.
The police also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, detailed the events in a statement released yesterday.
According to SP Edafe, “On 12/8/2024 at about 0430hrs, operatives of CP Special Squad based in Ughelli, while on investigation with a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, who was earlier arrested on 18/7/2024, led the operatives to Ewu community in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State in the trail of a gun runner who supplies arms to them before their kidnapping operations.
While at it, the team came under attack by the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the said Joel Ochuko.”
Gun Battle Leads to Death of Suspected Kidnapper
The police were able to overpower the attackers, who fled with bullet injuries. However, the suspect, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, was hit during the gunfight.
“The suspect was taken to the general hospital in Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment,” SP Edafe added.
During the operation, the police recovered one Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with nine rounds of cartridges, and one locally fabricated revolver pump action.
“A manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing,” the statement noted.
Kidnapping Syndicate Busted in Sapele
In another operation, the police cracked down on a kidnapping syndicate following the kidnapping of a 29-year-old victim from Kokori Community in Ethiope East LGA, who was residing in Sapele Town.
The victim was kidnapped on 17/2/2024, and the kidnappers transferred N5 million from his account to an unknown bank account.
After his release, the victim reported the incident to the police, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, to direct a special squad to investigate and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
“The operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on information provided by the kidnapped victim, conducted a technically driven investigation.
On 11/08/2024, around 0430hrs, they raided the apartment of one Sapiro (real name unknown) and recovered a Beretta pistol from his room,” SP Edafe explained.
Among those arrested were Tony Binitie, aka “BOBO,” the 29-year-old gang leader from Big-Warri Community, Warri South LGA, and Ejiro Ewuba, 30, a native of Owhelogbo Community, Isoko North LGA.
Also arrested was Ayuba Hussaini, 38, a resident of Hausa quarters in Sapele Town, identified as the receiver of the victim’s jewelry and phones worth millions of naira.
Hussaini was also linked to the receipt of N1 million transferred into his account from the victim’s account. All three suspects confessed to the crime.
Cultists Arrested in Ovine Hotel Incident
In a separate incident, on 05/08/2024, Ofuoma Division received a complaint about suspected cultists gathering at Ovine Hotel, Afiesere, and later moving to Ogbovwan Community, where they shot sporadically, killing a dog and shattering doors and windows with bullets.
The DPO of Ofuoma Division, CSP Patrick Uebari, led patrol teams to the scene. Upon sighting the police, the suspects fled in different directions.
“The operatives pursued and arrested five suspects, all believed to be members of the Black Axe Confraternity,” SP Edafe stated.
The police recovered three locally-made cut-to-size guns, one battle axe, twelve live cartridges, seven expended cartridges, eight phones, and two cross bags.
“Efforts to arrest the other fleeing suspects are ongoing,” the statement concluded.
Community Applauds Police Efforts
Residents of Delta State have expressed relief and gratitude towards the police for their swift actions and successful operations in curbing the rising tide of criminal activities.
Community leaders have called for increased vigilance and cooperation with the police to ensure the safety and security of all residents.
