Police in Delta have said hoodlums allegedly sponsored by Yahoo Boys on Thursday attacked a police patrol team, killing one officer and injuring another.
The operatives were deployed to Otovwodo junction in Ughelli in anticipation of violent protest by hoodlums masquerading as #ENDSARS protesters, said Delta police spokesperson DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya.
He said Corporal Etaga Stanley attached to ‘A’ division Ughelli was attacked and killed and his service Rifle AK 47 with 25 rounds of ammunition taken away.
Another police sergeant Patrick Okuone, attached to Eagle Net squad was shot and injured, she said.
Police patrol vehicles were also damaged in the shooting.
The police team recovered from the onslaught and arrested nine suspects, impounded seven vehicles and six mobile phones belonging to the protesters.
The injured officer is in hospital.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, described the incident as provocative, cruel and unwarranted.
“Henceforth, any violent protest and attack on policemen will be viewed seriously and resisted with minimum force. The convener or organizer of such a protest will be held liable and made to face the full wrath of the law along with any other person(s) connected with the protest,” Inuwa stated.
He said protest by citizens remains a legitimate means for airing legitimate concerns and views, but must however be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the ambit of the law.
