By Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have neutralized a suspected kidnapper and armed robber during a sting operation while rescuing a three-day-old baby in a separate incident. The events unfolded as part of the police’s continued efforts to combat crime in the state.

On September 27, 2024, at approximately 5:00 PM, acting on intelligence regarding a notorious kidnapper terrorizing the Udu Local Government Area (LGA) and surrounding areas, the Division Police Officer (DPO) of Ovwian Aladja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, led a surveillance team to the hideout of the suspect, identified as Benson Oghenevwaire, 34. Oghenevwaire had been linked to several high-profile crimes, including the February 2021 robbery of Wetland Microfinance Bank and the assassination of Prince Eric Takerere and two police escorts in April 2021.

Upon arrival at the suspect’s hideout in Orerokpe, Okpe LGA, Oghenevwaire and his gang members engaged the police in a fierce gun battle. The police overpowered the group, causing some of the suspects to flee with gunshot wounds. Oghenevwaire, however, was apprehended with severe injuries and later died while receiving treatment at Warri Central Hospital. The police recovered an English-made Beretta pistol and two live rounds of ammunition at the scene. A manhunt is ongoing for the other fleeing members of the gang.

In a separate incident, on October 1, 2024, a tricycle rider reported a suspected case of child trafficking to the Ekpan Police Station. The rider stated that four women had boarded his tricycle, and two of them handed over a newborn baby to the others before disembarking. He overheard one woman mention that the “balance” had been paid, raising his suspicions. The rider diverted the remaining two women, Tessi Ikechukwu and Lauretta Akomen, along with the baby, to the police station.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Lauretta Akomen, 38, had purchased the baby for ₦2,000,000 from a traditional home in Port Harcourt that exploits teenage girls by forcing them to bear children for sale. Akomen had also been given drugs to mimic pregnancy symptoms. The suspects are currently in custody, while a manhunt for the accomplices, including a woman named Gloria, is ongoing.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the tricycle rider for his bravery and urged other citizens to report suspicious activities to the police. He reminded the public of the emergency numbers available for reporting crimes.

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