A police inspector in Edo State, Jonathan Okouromi, is on the run after shooting dead a colleague, Sergeant Abosele Akhere, during an operation to apprehend suspected cultists on Sunday night, according to a report by Punch Metro.
The incident occurred around 9pm in the Ikponwosa/Egban community of Egor Local Government Area. Operatives of the State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad were carrying out a joint operation when the shooting happened.
Punch Metro reports that the team had arrested a notorious cultist known as ‘Raggae’, who was a prime suspect in recent cult violence in Ikponwosa/Egban. During the arrest, Inspector Okouromi suddenly shot Sergeant Akhere from behind for unknown reasons. Akhere was rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival by doctors.
After realising what he had done, Okouromi fled with his gun, while the arrested cult suspect Raggae also escaped in the ensuing chaos. One other suspected cultist, Mr Agbontaen Monday of the Eiye confraternity, was apprehended during the operation.
The police at Ugbowo division are currently searching for Inspector Okouromi, who remains at large. The body of Sergeant Akhere has been deposited in the mortuary pending further investigation.
When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Chidi Nwabuzor, said he could not comment as he was on holiday, according to Punch Metro. He promised to provide more details when he resumes work.
This shocking incident involving two policemen has rocked the Edo State Police Command even as cult violence continues to threaten communities in the state. The public await more details on what triggered Inspector Okouromi’s deadly actions against his colleague.
