PORT HARCOURT — Tragedy struck in Rivers State on Sunday when a police inspector, identified as Victor Okus, allegedly opened fire on his colleagues during official duty, killing one officer and injuring another in Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, where the officers were deployed on joint guard duty with military personnel.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said preliminary investigations indicated that Inspector Okus allegedly shot Inspectors Ibrahim Sani and Daniel Dauda.
According to her, the injured officers were immediately rushed to Nopsam Hospital for treatment, where Inspector Sani was confirmed dead, while Inspector Dauda survived and is currently receiving medical care.
“According to the account of the Unit Commander, 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan, and preliminary investigations, the tragic incident occurred at about 1320 hours at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt,” Iringe-Koko said.
She added, “Inspector Ibrahim Sani and Inspector Daniel Dauda, both attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel when Inspector Victor Okus allegedly shot them in the head and neck regions.”
“The injured officers were promptly rushed to Nopsam Hospital for medical treatment. Inspector Sani unfortunately succumbed to his injuries, while Inspector Dauda is still receiving treatment. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary, Port Harcourt, for preservation and autopsy,” she stated.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, is attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF) but was on special duty at Intels, Onne, at the time of the incident.
“The suspect has been arrested and is currently in police custody,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the suspect undergo an orderly room trial and be subsequently charged to court for prosecution, assuring that justice will be served,” Iringe-Koko said.
Adepoju also cautioned officers in the command on the grave responsibility that comes with the handling of firearms, stressing that their use must be exercised with utmost care to prevent avoidable tragedies.
“The CP further advised officers that the handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task. Officers must prioritise their safety and that of others at all times,” she said.
The Rivers State Police Command extended its condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of the late Inspector Sani, while reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, accountability and justice within the Nigeria Police Force.
