Police Inspector Shoots Colleagues in Port Harcourt, One Officer Killed, Another Injured
A police inspector has allegedly opened fire on fellow officers while on active duty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving one policeman dead and another seriously injured, PulseNets learnt.
The shooting occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on Sunday at Next Cash and Carry Supermart in the Trans-Amadi area of the state capital, where the officers were deployed on joint guard duty alongside military personnel, according to information obtained by PulseNets.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident on Monday through its spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who spoke to PulseNets on the outcome of preliminary investigations.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspect, identified as Victor Okus, a police inspector, allegedly shot two of his colleagues — Ibrahim Sani and Daniel Dauda, both inspectors attached to the Police Mobile Force.
PulseNets was told that the wounded officers were immediately rushed to Nopsam Hospital in Port Harcourt, where Sani was pronounced dead, while Dauda survived and is currently receiving medical attention.
She further said the body of the deceased officer has been deposited at the Military Hospital mortuary in Port Harcourt for autopsy.
Giving details of the incident, the police spokesperson stated:
“According to the unit commander, 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan, and findings from preliminary investigations, the unfortunate incident occurred at about 1320 hours at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt.”
She added:
“Inspectors Ibrahim Sani and Daniel Dauda, both attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint security duty with military personnel when Inspector Victor Okus allegedly shot them.”
Iringe-Koko explained that:
“The injured officers were immediately taken to Nopsam Hospital for medical care, where Inspector Sani sadly succumbed to his injuries, while Inspector Dauda is currently responding to treatment.”
PulseNets gathered that the suspect, Okus, is attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force but was on special duty assignment at Intels, Onne, before the incident. He has since been arrested and is presently in police custody.
The police spokesperson also confirmed that both Sani and Dauda were officers of the 14 Police Mobile Force unit based in Yola.
Iringe-Koko said the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the shooting.
She noted that the police chief directed that the suspect be subjected to an orderly room trial, after which he would be charged to court in accordance with the law.
According to her, Adepoju also cautioned officers on the gravity of handling firearms while on duty, stressing that it must never be treated casually.
Also Read: Rivers: Unknown Gunmen kill Police Inspector in Port Harcourt
She said:
“The Commissioner of Police reminded all officers that the handling of firearms on duty carries serious responsibility and should never be considered a routine exercise.”
Iringe-Koko concluded by expressing sympathy to the family of the deceased officer, adding:
“The Rivers State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues and friends of Inspector Ibrahim Sani, and reiterates its commitment to professionalism, accountability and justice.”
