Inspector Jonathan Okouromi allegedly shot and killed Sergeant Abosele Akhere in a shocking event within the Edo State Police Command. Sunday night, at about 9 o’clock, tragedy struck in the Ikponwosa/Egban community in Edo State’s Egor Local Government Area.
It has been reported that the tragic incident occurred while the Edo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad were conducting a police operation. The objective was to apprehend cultists thought to be responsible for the disturbances in the Ikponwosa/Egban community.
‘Raggae,’ an infamous cult figure and key suspect in numerous cult-related crimes, was caught by Sergeant Akhere during this operation. Shockingly, Inspector Okouromi suddenly pulled the trigger on his weapon and hit Akhere from behind. We still don’t know what prompted Okouromi to act, or why.
The incident was detailed by an unnamed source over the phone, who said that the wounded officer was taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital right away. “Unfortunately, the attending physician declared him dead,” the source said.
Reports indicate that Inspector Okouromi, upon understanding the seriousness of his deed, escaped the scene armed with his rifle after the shooting. Reggae, the culprit who was apprehended, escaped at the same time. But another man, Mr. Agbontaen Monday, who was said to be a brother of the Eiye brotherhood, was taken into custody.
Police from the Ugbowo division are currently leading the hunt for Inspector Okouromi, who has escaped. In the meantime, the deceased Sergeant’s body has been taken to a mortuary as authorities investigate further.
Edo State Police Public Relations Officer Chidi Nwabuzor declined to comment when contacted, saying he was on vacation and would return to the office with additional information.
A week ago, in a disturbingly similar occurrence in Rivers State, an officer named Nelson Abuante shot and killed himself after inadvertently killing another officer named Monday Gbaramana during an arrest operation. The police department is now under a dark cloud as a result of these events, which have prompted questions about internal protocol and safety.
