In a tragic turn of events, a police Inspector, identified as Jonathan Okouromi, allegedly shot dead Sergeant Abosele Akhere, both serving in the Edo State Police Command.
The incident occurred around 9 pm on Sunday in Ikponwosa/Egban community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo.
According to reports from a source, the officers were part of an operation led by the Edo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad targeting suspected cultists who had been terrorizing the Ikponwosa/Egban community.
During the operation, Sergeant Abosele Akhere successfully arrested a notorious cultist known as ‘Raggae.’
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However, in a shocking turn of events, Inspector Jonathan Okouromi reportedly lifted his gun, shot Akhere from behind, and fled the scene with his weapon.
A reliable source, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the incident, stating, “All of a sudden, Inspector Jonathan Okouromi just lifted his gun, pulled the trigger and shot Akhere from the back. Nobody knew what happened or why he did that. He just fired him from behind. The man fell immediately and started bleeding.”
The injured officer was swiftly rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Meanwhile, both Inspector Okouromi and the arrested cult suspect, ‘Raggae,’ managed to escape the scene.
Another individual, Mr. Agbontaen Monday, a member of the Eiye confraternity, was apprehended during the operation.
The police are currently searching for Inspector Okouromi, and the body of the deceased officer has been deposited at the mortuary pending further investigations.
Chidi Nwabuzor, the Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, stated that he was on holiday when contacted for comments.
He assured that he would provide details upon returning to the office.
This incident follows a similar one in Rivers State last week when Inspector Nelson Abuante accidentally shot and killed Inspector Monday Gbaramana while attempting to arrest a suspect, eventually leading to Abuante’s suicide.
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