The Delta State Police Command has confirmed that protesters murdered a Police Corporal, Etaga Stanley attached to “A” Division in Ughelli.
The Police claimed that another Policeman attached to the Eagle-Net Squad, Patrick Okuone was shot and injured as the protesters stole an AK4- rifle with twenty rounds of ammunition.
It added the protesters also vandalized a Police Patrol van with gunshots at Otovwodo in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya confirmed the news in a statement.
According to the Police, “On the 8th of October 2020 in anticipation of violent protest by hoodlums sponsored by internet fraudsters ‘YAHOO BOYS’ masquerading with #ENDSARS PROTESTERS, Several patrol teams were deployed to Otovwodo junction in Ughelli to prevent breakdown of Law and Order and allow free movement of law-abiding citizens/ traffic.
“At about 1530hrs, Police Patrol team came under attack by these Hoodlums. Consequently, one Corporal Etaga Stanley attached to ‘A’ division Ughelli was attacked and killed and his service Rifle AK 47 with 25 rounds of Ammunition stolen.”
The Police said after a swift response, nine suspects were arrested, seven vehicles and six mobile phones belonging to the criminal elements were recovered from the scene of the incident.
The Police noted that the injured officer is on admission in hospital, while reinforcements sent to deal with the situation.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa who described the incident as provocative, cruel and unwarranted has warned that the Command will no longer tolerate any attack on its personnel by any individual or group protesting under any guise.
While admitting that protest by citizens remains a legitimate means for airing their concerns and views, CP Inuwa said such protests must however be carried out with all sense of responsibility and within the ambit of the law.
“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.
The Commissioner of Police urged the people of the Delta State to exercise restraint and be patient with the ongoing reforms on SARS already initiated by the Inspector General of Police to curb the excesses of the unit with a view to meet the yearnings and aspirations of members of the public.
The CP, however, reassures that the Command will continue to comply with the Inspector General of Police directives towards preventing any violation of the rights of the citizens and bridging the gap between the Police and members of the public.
“The Commissioner of Police, while condoling with the family and friends of the late Corporal Etaga Stanle,y who paid the supreme price in the service of our dear nation, equally commended the officers and men of the Command for exercising restraint in the face of the immoral and unjustified provocation. Assuring all that the perpetrators/collaborators of these dastardly acts will soon be brought to book.”
