Police dismiss shooting rumours as two die in Ogwashi-Uku patrol tragedy
Police
BY NOSA AKENZUA, ASABA
The Delta State Police Command has clarified circumstances surrounding the tragic death of personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and a civilian, Adama Augustine, during a joint patrol operation in Ogwashi-Uku, stressing that no shooting occurred during the incident.
The unfortunate incident reportedly happened on Thursday, May 14, 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, SP Edafe Bright, the patrol team sighted two men who allegedly took to their heels on seeing the security operatives. Forest officers attached to the joint patrol reportedly gave chase.
“In the course of the pursuit, one of the men identified as Adama Augustine jumped into an uncompleted building,” the statement said. “One of the Forest officers continued chasing him but sadly, both Adama Augustine and the Forest officer fell into an abandoned open well inside the building and drowned.”
The victims were said to have been rescued from the well and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where doctors later confirmed them dead.
Their remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.
Reacting to rumours circulating after the incident, the police firmly denied claims that officers opened fire 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 tragic,” the Command extended condolences to the family of the deceased forest officer, identified as Mr. Eze Ifeanyi, as well as the family of Adama Augustine.
The Command also assured residents of Ogwashi-Uku and the wider Delta State of a thorough investigation into the incident while urging members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
Police authorities further appealed for continued public support and cooperation in efforts aimed at improving safety and preventing similar occurrences in the future.
