Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar
By Mohammed Aminu and Yemi Akinsuyi
Kogi State Police Command Wednesday made a major break-through in his effort to bring to book, the perpetrators of the heinous crime that left two soldiers and several worshippers dead at the Deeper Life Church in Okene.
This came as the Sokoto State Police Command also Wednesday averted what would have been another major disaster in the ancient city of Sokoto when an unknown person riding an unregistered motorcycle, discreetly dropped a black polythene bag at the secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Acting on intelligence, a team of crack detectives investigating the case stormed a criminal hideout in Idare Hills in Okene, suspected to be a safe haven for the hoodlums wreaking havoc in the state.
THISDAY gathered that on sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on them, prompting a gun duel.
In the ensuing battle, the gang’s leader identified as Yekini Isah of Obehira area of Okene, sustained a head injury.
Though he initially escaped from the scene, he was trailed and arrested in a hideout at Ibilo in Edo State, where he was receiving native treatment for his gun wounds.
Two other suspects, including a female, were arrested during the operation.
One AK 47 rifle with 30 rounds of live ammunition was also recovered from them.
According to a release signed by the Force spokesperson, Frank Mba, Chief Superintend of Police, information about the presence of this strange object was promptly relayed to the police authority in Sokoto State by a patriotic and civic-minded citizen.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 10, Muktari Ibrahim and the state Commissioner of Police, immediately deployed a combined team of policemen from the Bomb Disposal Unit to the area.
“The quick response of the police operatives saved the day. The polythene bag was located, scientifically examined and found to be containing high calibre Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). Personnel of the Police Bomb Disposal Unit thereafter carried out a controlled detonation of the explosives. No body was harmed and there was no casualty of any kind.
“The vicinity of the party’s secretariat was meticulously combed, to be sure of its safety and those of members of the public.”
The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, while commending the police operatives from the two commands for their professionalism, courage and gallantry, thanked Nigerians for their cooperation, partnership and enduring faith in the Nigeria Police.
Meanwhile, investigation and efforts at tracking down other fleeing members of the gang continues