By Oluwatosin Maliki
In a disturbing incident, an officer of the Nigerian Police Force, Inspector Jonathan Okouromi, reportedly killed a Sergeant identified as Abosele Akhere, during an operation.
Quest Times gathered that the tragic incident took place in the Ikponwosa/Egban community, Egor Local Government Area of Edo, around 9pm on Sunday.
The incident occurred when the Edo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and those of the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad had launched an operation with the aim of arresting suspected cultists who were said to have been terrorizing the community in recent times.
During the operation, Sergeant Abosele Akhere successfully nabbed a notorious cultist simply known as ‘Raggae’, who was considered a prime suspect in cult-related activities.
According to a reliable source who spoke to newsmen, “Inspector Jonathan Okouromi just lifted his gun, pulled the trigger and shot Akhere from the back. Nobody knew what happened or why he did that. He just fired him from behind. The man fell immediately and started bleeding.”
The anonymous source, said the shot officer was quickly taken to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
It was learned that Inspector Okouromi fled the scene of the incident. The source stated, “He escaped with his gun the moment he realised he had shot his junior colleague to death.”
The suspected cultist, ‘Reggae’, who was arrested also ran away. However, one Mr Agbontaen Monday, a member Of the Eiye confraternity was apprehended.
Operatives of the police in Ugbowo division are currently searching for Inspector Okouromi.
Meanwhile, the body of the slain police sergeant was deposited at the mortuary as the further investigation continues.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, Chidi Nwabuzor, who was contacted, said he was on holiday.
“I am on holiday. When I get to the office tomorrow, I’ll get the details,” he said in a telephone interview with newsmen.