A police inspector, identified as Victor Okus has allegedly shot his colleagues on duty in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, killing one Inspector Ibrahim Sani, and injuring another officer, Inspector Daniel Dauda.
The incident was said to have occurred on Sunday around 1:20 p.m. at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
They were all on joint guard duty with military personnel when the shooting occured.
The Police Public Relations Officer , Rivers State Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.
She said preliminary findings indicated that Inspector Okus allegedly shot both officers.
Both victims were rushed to Nopsam Hospital, where Inspector Sani was confirmed dead, while Inspector Dauda survived and is receiving treatment, stressing that the deceased remains had been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary in Port Harcourt for autopsy, she also said.
She quoted: “According to the Unit Commander (U/C) 14 PMF, DSP Turaki Hassan’s accounts, and preliminary investigations, the tragic incident occurred at about 1320 hrs at Next Cash and Carry Supermart, Trans-Amadi, Port Harcourt, where Inspector Ibrahim Sani ‘m’ and Inspector Daniel Dauda ‘m’, all attached to 14 PMF, Yola, were on joint guard duty with military personnel.
“Inspector Okus allegedly shot his colleagues in the head and neck regions. The injured officers were promptly rushed to Nopsam Hospital for medical treatment, where Inspector Sani succumbed to his injuries, while Inspector Dauda is still receiving medical treatment. The corpse has been deposited at the Military Hospital Mortuary, Port Harcourt, for preservation and autopsy.
“The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus, a colleague and fellow officer attached to 17 PMF but on special duty at Intels, Onne, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.”
She further stated that Inspectors Sani and Dauda were assigned to the 14 Police Mobile Force (PMF) in Yola, while the suspect, from the 17 PMF, was on special duty at Intels, Onne.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident .
In a statement, he also instructed that the suspect undergo an orderly room trial, followed by prosecution in court.
He reminded officers in the command of the serious responsibility that comes with handling firearms, emphasizing that their use on duty must be exercised with utmost care to prevent avoidable tragedies.
He condoled the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Inspector Sani, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and justice within the Force.
The statement added:“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, ensuring that the circumstances surrounding the act are thoroughly examined.
“He said the suspect will face an orderly room trial and subsequently be charged to court for prosecution, assuring that justice would be served.
“The CP further advised officers that the handling of firearms while on duty is a serious responsibility and not a routine task. It is crucial to prioritise your safety and the safety of others so as to prevent potential tragedies.
“The Rivers State Police Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, colleagues and friends of Inspector Sani and further reaffirms the Command’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within the Force.”
