Police Inspector Jonathan Okouromi allegedly shot and killed Sergeant Abosele Akhere, both serving in the Edo State Police Command.
The incident transpired around 9 pm on Sunday in Ikponwosa/Egban community, situated in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo.
The unfortunate episode unfolded as operatives from the Edo State Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the Control Intelligence Rapid Response Squad launched an operation to apprehend suspected cultists who had been causing unrest in the Ikponwosa/Egban community.
The primary target was a notorious cultist known as ‘Raggae.’
During the operation, Sergeant Abosele Akhere successfully arrested ‘Raggae,’ the prime suspect in the ongoing cult-related activities.
However, the situation took a tragic turn when Inspector Jonathan Okouromi allegedly lifted his gun, without apparent cause, and shot Sergeant Akhere from behind.
A reliable source, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the shocking incident, stating, “All of a sudden, 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 critically wounded Sergeant Akhere was promptly rushed to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Simultaneously, Inspector Okouromi reportedly fled the scene, making his escape with his firearm upon realizing the gravity of his actions.
The arrested suspected cultist, ‘Raggae,’ also managed to escape during the chaos, while another individual identified as Mr. Agbontaen Monday, a member of the Eiye confraternity, was apprehended.
Authorities at the Ugbowo division are actively searching for Inspector Okouromi, who is currently on the run.
Meanwhile, the deceased Sergeant Akhere’s body has been deposited at the mortuary as the investigation into the shocking incident unfolds.
This incident bears eerie similarities to a recent tragedy in Rivers State, where Inspector Nelson Abuante tragically took his own life after mistakenly shooting his colleague, Inspector Monday Gbaramana, during an attempt to arrest a suspect.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Edo State, Chidi Nwabuzor, when contacted, stated that he was on holiday and promised to provide further details upon his return to the office.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the inexplicable actions of Inspector Jonathan Okouromi and the broader implications for law enforcement in the region.
