By Christopher Anyasi
In a commendable operation, Delta State Police Command successfully rescued four kidnapped victims from the clutches of their captors in the dense forests near Orerokpe community, situated in the Okpe Local Government Area.
The dramatic rescue unfolded following a distress call received by the Orerokpe Divisional Police on September 11, 2023, at approximately 0400hrs. The victims, whose identities are being withheld, were residents of the community traveling along the Abraka-Eku Expressway when they fell prey to abductors who demanded a hefty N10 million ransom.
Swiftly responding to the distress call, the Orerokpe Division’s DPO, CSP Paul Oboware, mobilized a dedicated team of officers, with invaluable assistance from Nigerian Army troops and members of the Oreorokpe community vigilantes.
Utilizing sophisticated intelligence methods, the collective force embarked on a relentless search throughout the adjacent wooded areas, applying consistent pressure on the kidnappers. Overwhelmed by the tenacity of the rescue team, the kidnappers ultimately fled the scene, leaving their captives behind.
The successful operation culminated in the safe rescue of all the kidnapped victims on Tuesday, September 12. They were subsequently transported to a hospital for medical attention and have now been reunited with their families.
Delta State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the rescue and highlighted ongoing efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate development, an operation led by the DPO Orerokpe Division, in conjunction with Aragba vigilantes, yielded the arrest of one Sunday Yerakpo during an intensive stop and search operation at the Aragba Junction along Sapele Aghalokpe Road, Okpe LGA. Yerakpo was found in possession of four new locally-made cut-to-size guns, which he had concealed under the seat of his red QLINK Motorcycle (REG NO JRT178VH).
Preliminary investigations revealed Yerakpo’s involvement in gun running, with one of his associates known as “Ose Ogboyen” sending him to deliver the arms to a client referred to as “Saputu.” The police are actively pursuing the arrest of Ose Ogboyen and Saputu.
In another incident on September 9, 2023, operatives from Ogulagha Police post in Burutu LGA, in collaboration with local members of the Nigeria hunters and forest security service, apprehended Prince Diegbegha (25) at his residence on No. 8 Palace Road, Ogulagha. During a search of his premises, a Makarov pistol with an empty magazine was discovered. Diegbegha disclosed during questioning that he had purchased the weapon for N200,000 from an individual named Oshimili (now deceased) in 2018 at Ozoro. The suspect is in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the state’s residents. He urged the public to provide credible information to support crime prevention, assuring that the identities of informants would be treated with the utmost confidentiality. The preservation of peace in the state remains the paramount goal of the police force.