The Delta State Police Command successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt during a graduation ceremony at Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, on August 13, 2024.
The incident was revealed in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Monday. According to the statement, CSP Olasunkanmi Musiliu, Divisional Police Officer of Oghara Division, received credible intelligence about a group of kidnappers planning to abduct guests at the ceremony.
In response, Musiliu led a team of officers to the suspects’ hideout in a bush along the Otefe/Ovade Legit Road.
On arrival, the suspects engaged the police in a gun battle but eventually fled with various injuries. During the operation, the police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, an English pump-action gun, and a locally made cut-to-size gun. The command has since launched a manhunt to capture the fleeing suspects.
In a separate incident on August 14, 2024, around 7:45 p.m., the Oghara Division’s anti-crime patrol team intercepted a motorcycle during a routine stop-and-search operation on Otefe Ijomi Community Road.
The motorcycle was carrying two Delta State Polytechnic students—22-year-old Ovoke Benedict, a Computer Science student, and 23-year-old Fredrick Urhoborume, a Business Administration student.
A search of the suspects revealed a locally made cut-to-size gun and six live cartridges. Preliminary investigations suggest the two students are members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity. Investigations are ongoing.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, praised the public for their support and emphasized the importance of timely information in combating crime.
“I urge the public to continue providing credible and timely information to the police. This collaboration is crucial in our efforts to fight crime,” Abaniwonda stated.
The Commissioner also directed all Divisional Police Officers in the state to enhance community-based policing and maintain visibility patrols to prevent further criminal activities.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the Delta State Police Command through the following control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.