Robbers Kill 2 Policemen in Benin
From Omon-Julius Onabu in Benin-City and Jaiyeola Andrews in Asaba
Two policemen attached to Delta State Government House were in the early hours of yesterday killed by armed robbers at the Oluku Junction end of the Benin By-pass, Benin-Lagos Expressway.
Three other officers were also injured during the attack which was reportedly carried out by a large gang of heavily armed bandits adorned in army uniforms.
The policemen who were among six others and an unspecified number of other personnel from Government House Asaba, were said to be heading to Lagos on an official engagement when they ran into the armed robbery operation by gang numbering about 20 dare-devil robbers.
Unable to immediately beat a retreat, THISDAY learnt that the police escorts decided to shoot their way through the trouble-spot, opening fire in an attempt to dislodge the robbers and push their way out of the area.
However, the governor's men soon discovered that they were caught in the middle of the bandits' trap made up two or three groups or formations. So, while the policemen fired straight at the robbers before them, a segment of the gang was attacking the convoy from behind.
Thus, occupants of the vehicles in the convoy were hit by the attackers, with a police sergeant being killed on the spot while another badly wounded died later at the Central Hospital, King's Square, Benin-City.
THISDAY further gathered that the governor's officials, including a woman who did not sustain any injuries, had earlier made frantic efforts to save the lives of the injured by rushing them to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) the only fairly standard hospital in Benin-City, which is just about four kilometres from the spot; but the hospital has been shut since September 24, following UBTH resident doctors strike.
The bodies of the slain security officers had been deposited at the Central Hospital mortuary, which was reopened after being shut during last week fuel price strike, while three Peugeot 504 station waggon affected cars, bearing Delta State Government House registration numbers, were spotted at the Government House, Benin yesterday.
Meanwhile, Ibori's media aide, Mr Abel Oshevire, disclosed to THISDAY on phone from Delta State:
"His Excellency, Governor James Ibori, who is still in Oghara performing burial rites for his late mother, expresses deep regrets over the incident and prays for quick recovery for the injured and repose for the souls of the dead."
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