Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers ambushed and shot dead the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Agbarho Division in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

It was gathered that the DPO was killed alongside some policemen, at about 1:am on Monday.

The gunmen also shot and injured the DPO of Orerokpe Division, who was part of the kidnap rescue mission.

The attack occurred near the Agbarho train station during a rescue operation.

It was learned that the gunmen engaged the police in a shootout, during which the DPO of Agbarho Division and some officers were killed.

The DPO of Orerokpe Division, CSP Paul, was rushed to an undisclosed hospital and is in critical condition.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, had since confirmed the incident.

He stated, “They were ambushed, but it’s only the DPO that we lost.”

Niger Delta human rights activist, Comrade Israel Joe, described the incident as a significant blow to the Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Expressing his grief, Comrade Joe said, “I feel very pained about this news. This was the same DPO I spoke with yesterday regarding the conduct of his men who demanded money from a citizen. He immediately resolved the situation, cautioning his men not to try that again under his watch.”

“This is very tearful. I can, to some extent, attest to the character of these men.” He extended his condolences to the Delta State Command of the NPF and the family of the deceased DPO, urging the police to do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.

“I wish to convey my condolences to the Nigeria Police Force, the CP Delta State Command, and the entire family and friends of the officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. None of these demons should be spared by the force,” he added.

It was gathered that the deceased DPO had resumed duty just two days before his untimely death.