In a major operation in Delta State, the police have reported the death of a suspected kidnapper and armed robber, Benson Oghenevwaire, and the arrest of two women involved in a child-stealing scheme.
According to a statement released by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright, he gave details of an operation that culminated in a confrontation with a notorious criminal. The operation was part of a broader effort to dismantle a gang responsible for a series of robberies and kidnappings in Udu Local Government Area (LGA).
The PPRO stated that Oghenevwaire, a 34-year-old suspect, was implicated in several high-profile crimes, including the robbery of Wetland Microfinance Bank in February 2021 and the assassination of Prince Eric Takerere, the son of the Urhowhrun Monarch, alongside two police escorts in April 2021. These incidents had instilled fear in the community and underscored the need for decisive action from law enforcement.
Responding to gathered intelligence, on September 27, 2024 the Division Police Officer (DPO) for Owvain Aldaja Division, CSP Bulus Musa, led a surveillance team to Oghenevwaire’s hideout in Orereokpe, Okpe LGA. During the operation, Oghenevwaire and his gang members engaged police in a fierce gun battle. Despite the suspects’ attempts to resist arrest, the police force overpowered them.
While some gang members fled with gunshot wounds, Oghenevwaire was apprehended but sustained severe injuries.
He was transported to Warri Central Hospital for treatment but tragically succumbed to his wounds. During the operation, police recovered one English-made Beretta pistol and two rounds of live ammunition. A manhunt for the remaining gang members is ongoing, emphasizing the police’s commitment to eradicating organized crime in the area.
Arrests in Child Stealing Case
In a separate but equally alarming incident, the police arrested two women on October 1, 2024, in connection with the theft of a newborn baby. The case began when a vigilant tricycle rider reported suspicious behavior to the Ekpan police station.
According to the tricycle rider, while performing his usual commercial operations, four women boarded his vehicle. Upon reaching the Efurrun roundabout, two women exited the tricycle. One of them handed over a three-day-old baby boy to the women who remained in the tricycle and mentioned that the “balance has been paid,” implying a transaction had taken place.
Recognizing the potential for criminal activity, the tricycle rider promptly redirected the women to the Ekpan police station, where they were detained for questioning. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the women, Lauretta Akomen, aged 38, had allegedly purchased the infant for two million naira from a traditional home in Port Harcourt. This establishment has been implicated in the exploitation of young women, forcing them into sexual relations that result in pregnancies, only to sell their babies afterward.
Akomen disclosed that she had taken a drug to simulate pregnancy and had been informed by an accomplice, known only as Gloria, about the availability of babies for sale. Following her confession, Akomen led police to Gloria’s location, further expanding the investigation.
Both women are currently in custody, and law enforcement is actively pursuing additional suspects connected to this child trafficking network.
Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda expressed gratitude to the tricycle rider for his alertness and willingness to report suspicious activities. He encouraged other citizens to adopt similar vigilance, noting that collective efforts are essential for combating crime.
He said the police remain dedicated to their mission of protecting citizens and ensuring that justice is served for victims of crime.
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