Again, gunmen kill police officer in Delta community, seize rifle

Unidentified gunmen have reportedly shot and killed a mobile police officer, identified as Ninyel Nwangwang, during a church service along Oviri-Ogor Road, Ughelli, Headquarters of Ughelli North Council, Delta State.

Nwangwang, an Inspector of Police, was said to be escorting the wife of his late boss, who died few months ago, to the church when he was shot.

The Guardian recalled that no fewer than five policemen have been killed and their rifles seized in Ughelli and its environ in the last one month as the local government election billed for March 2021, draws nearer.

It was learnt that the slain police officer served at PMF 31 Ogwashi Uku, Aniocha South Council of Delta State, but was on a special security duty until his untimely death.

A member of the church, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that the killing of the mobile police officer, who escorted a female member whose husband died a few months ago to church, threw the congregation into confusion.

A senior police officer at the ‘A’ Division police station, Ughelli, confirmed the killing, lamenting the unprofessional conduct of some police officers, who indulge in illegal duties.

“A Nigeria police officer must report his movement, either within or outside his area of jurisdiction to his boss. We got a call that a mobile policeman was shot dead at a Pentecostal Church, Victorious Faith Fire Assembly along Oviri-Ogor road, Ughelli,” he said.

Commandant of the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), Monday Ohwesiri, said the killing of police officers and the carting away of their rifles in the council area was a warning call to all secret operatives to wake to their responsibilities.

When contacted, Delta State Command Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the incident, saying the police was investigating the circumstances that led to the killing of Inspector Nwangwang.

He said the police authorities were on the trail of the gunmen with a view to recovering the missing rifle and prosecute the killers.