A police inspector, identified as Jonathan Okouromi, reportedly shot dead Sergeant Abosele Akhere during the arrest of a suspected cultist in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.
The tragic incident unfolded around 9 pm on Sunday in the Ikponwosa/Egban community, where operatives of the Edo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad were conducting an operation to apprehend suspected cultists.
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The targeted community had been under the grip of fear due to the activities of suspected cultists, prompting the police operation. During the operation, Sergeant Abosele Akhere successfully arrested a notorious cultist known as ‘Raggae.’
Unexpectedly, Inspector Jonathan Okouromi allegedly lifted his gun and shot Sergeant Akhere from behind without any apparent reason. A reliable source, preferring anonymity, conveyed the mysterious nature of the incident.
“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 source stated.
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The wounded officer was urgently transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
The alleged shooter, Inspector Okouromi, reportedly fled the scene with his firearm upon realizing the gravity of his actions. The arrested cultist, ‘Reggae,’ also managed to escape, while another individual, Mr. Agbontaen Monday, a member of the Eiye confraternity, was apprehended.
As the police intensify efforts to locate Inspector Okouromi, investigations are ongoing, and the body of the deceased police sergeant has been deposited at the mortuary.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, Chidi Nwabuzor, was unavailable for comment as he is currently on holiday. When contacted, he expressed his unavailability and assured that further details would be provided upon his return to the office.
This tragic incident echoes a similar event in Rivers State last week when Inspector Nelson Abuante committed suicide after mistakenly shooting dead his colleague, Inspector Monday Gbaramana, during an attempt to arrest a suspect. The recent incidents raise concerns about the need for comprehensive internal investigations within the police force to address such occurrences and ensure accountability.
