Fleeing Suspect, Delta State Security Operative Drown In A Well
The Delta State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and a civilian, Adama Augustine, during a joint patrol operation in Ogwashi-Uku, insisting that no shooting occurred during the incident.
The incident reportedly happened on Thursday along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Road near Mega Chis, during a routine patrol involving police operatives and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, members of the patrol team sighted two men who allegedly fled on noticing the security operatives, prompting forest officers attached to the patrol to pursue them.
During the chase, Adama Augustine reportedly ran into an uncompleted building and jumped inside in an attempt to escape.
One of the forest officers who continued the pursuit allegedly followed him into the building, but both men accidentally fell into an abandoned open well and drowned.
The police said the victims were later rescued from the well and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.
Their remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.
Reacting to rumours circulating after the incident, the police dismissed claims that officers shot or killed anyone during the operation.
“We want to make it very clear: no shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” SP Bright stated.
Describing the incident as painful and unfortunate, the Command extended condolences to the family of the deceased forest officer, identified as Mr. Eze Ifeanyi, and to the family of Adama Augustine.
The police also assured residents of Ogwashi-Uku and the wider Delta State of a thorough investigation into the incident, while urging the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
