Tragedy: Kidnappers Kill Delta DPO Jega in Gun Battle

Police DPO Slain in Delta Rescue Op

 

“I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday about the conduct of...”

Tragedy Strikes Delta: new DPO, CSP Jega, killed in kidnap rescue operation shootout

Tragedy struck in Delta State today, October 14, 2024, as the newly appointed Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbarho Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Jega, and some of his men were ambushed and killed by a kidnap syndicate. This horrific incident occurred just two days after CSP Jega assumed office at the Agbarho Divisional Command.

CSP Jega, along with DPO Orerokpe division, CSP Paul, had embarked on a joint kidnap rescue operation at 1 a.m. when they fell into the syndicate's deadly trap near the Agbarho rail station. The swift and tragic events have sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the risks and challenges faced by law enforcement in combating crime.

Incident Details:

• Date: Monday, October 14, 2024
• Location: Agbarho rail station, Delta State
• Victims: CSP Jega (DPO Agbarho) and some of his men
• Perpetrators: Kidnap syndicate

This incident underscores the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement and the community to combat kidnapping and other crimes in Delta State.

The suspected kidnappers unleashed a hail of bullets on the security team, sparking a fierce gun battle. Tragically, the newly appointed DPO, CSP Jega, and several policemen lost their lives in the exchange. Meanwhile, DPO Orerokpe, CSP Paul, narrowly escaped death and was rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel are fighting to save his life.

Warri-based activist Israel Joe expressed deep sorrow over the incident. “I'm pained by this tragic loss of life,” he said. “The relentless attacks on security personnel and innocent civilians underscore the urgent need for collective action against kidnapping and violence in our communities.”

In a statement, DSP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State, acknowledged the horrific incident.

Joe said, “I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday about the conduct of his men who demanded money from a citizen, and he rescued the situation immediately, cautioning his men not to try that again under his watch.

“This is very tearful, I can, to some extent, attest to the characters of these men. I wish to convey my condolence to the Nigeria Police Force, the Commisioner of Police (CP) Delta State Command, entire family and friends of the police who lost their lives in a quest to save society in the front line of duty.

“None of these demons should be spand by the force.”

“The police team were ambushed. But it's only the DPO that we lost,” he stated.