DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND FOILS KIDNAPPING AND CHILD STEALING OPERATIONS
In a major crackdown on crime, operatives of the Delta State Police Command has foiled kidnapping and child stealing operations, resulting in the death of a notorious kidnapper and armed robber, Benson Oghenevwaire, and the arrest of two female suspects for child stealing.
According to a statement by the police, on September 27, 2024, at about 5:00 pm, acting on intelligence gathered, operatives from the Owvain Aldaja Division, led by CSP Bulus Musa, embarked on a sting operation at Oghenevwaire's hideout in Orereokpe, Okpe Local Government Area. The suspect and his gang members engaged the police in a fierce gun duel. During the exchange, Oghenevwaire was arrested with severe gunshot injuries but later died while receiving treatment at Warri Central Hospital.
The police recovered one English-made Beretta pistol and two rounds of live ammunition from the scene. Oghenevwaire was allegedly part of a syndicate responsible for several robberies and kidnappings in the Udu axis, including the robbery operation at Wetland Microfinance Bank in Udu Local Government Area on February 26, 2021, and the assassination of Prince Eric Takerere, son of the Urhowhrun Monarch, along with two police escorts on April 3, 2021, at Efurrun Sapele Road.
A manhunt is ongoing for other fleeing members of the gang.
In a separate operation, on October 1, 2024, at about 6:30 pm, a tricycle rider reported to Ekpan Police Station that four women had boarded his tricycle with a newborn baby. Two women, Tessi Ikechukwu and Lauretta Akomen, were arrested, and the baby was rescued.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Akomen bought the baby for 2 million naira from a traditional home in Port Harcourt, where teenage girls are harbored and exploited for child trafficking. Akomen also revealed that she was given drugs to make her appear pregnant.
The suspect led operatives to the house of one Gloria (surname unknown), who acted as an agent between her and the traditional home.
The Delta State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to combating crime and ensuring public safety.
"The command will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to rid the state of criminal elements," said a police spokesperson.
The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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