Sylvester Idowu in Warri
Five persons alleged to be specialists in vandalising pipelines have been arrested by the personnel of Delta State Police Command.
The suspects, namely Lukeman Jimoh, Shola Bimigo, Yahaya Ikane, Ebi Yeregha and Lawal Aliyu, were apprehended last Saturday while conveying 170 pieces of pipelines in a lorry, which were suspected to be stolen.
The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP. Edafe Bright, disclosed yesterday that the suspects were intercepted at about 5.45 p.m. by policemen from “A” Division, Warri.
Bright said: “On May 8, 2021, at about 5:45 p.m., the Anti-Crime Patrol of ‘A’ Division, Warri, while on routine patrol, intercepted a lorry with registration number BDG358YA with five suspects on board.
“On searching, the lorry was loaded with 170 pieces of 6 inches pipes already cut to various sizes. The suspects are alleged experts in the act of vandalising pipeline at Ogulagha. They were arrested while the lorry was impounded.’’
He also confirmed the death of three suspected kidnappers in the state, who were identified as Onome Efetobore, Collins (surname unknown) and Glory Reuben. They were reportedly beaten to death by an angry mob after a failed kidnapped attempt.
Bright said the incident occurred last Sunday at Oghara in Ethiope West Local Government Area of the state.
He said: “On May 10, 2021, at about 10:30hrs, information was received that a mob was attacking three suspected kidnappers, who attempted to kidnap a victim at Oghara Junction.
“Consequently, the divisional police officer (DPO), Oghara Division, mobilised his patrol team and a vigilante team to the scene to rescue Efetobore, Collins and Reuben.
“They were seriously beaten and rushed to the Oghara General Hospital by the police, where they were later confirmed dead.’’
Bright said that exhibits recovered from the suspects included a locally made pistol and three live cartridges.
