Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an officer, Inspector Victor Okus, who is alleged to have opened fire on his own colleagues, killing one and critically injuring another.
The incident, described by the police as “tragic and distressing,” occurred on Sunday. The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the details in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
CSP Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspect, Inspector Okus, is attached to the 17 Police Mobile Force (PMF) but was on special duty at Intels in Onne. He allegedly shot his colleagues in the head and neck.
The attack resulted in the death of Inspector Ibrahim Sani, while a second officer, Inspector Daniel Dauda, remains in a critical condition receiving hospital treatment.
Preliminary investigations indicate the incident happened at approximately 1:20 pm on Sunday at the Next Cash and Carry Supermarket on Trans-Amadi Road, Port Harcourt. The victims were reportedly on a joint guard duty assignment with military personnel at the location.
“The injured officers were promptly rushed to Nobsam Hospital for medical treatment, where Inspector Sani succumbed to his injuries,” the PRO’s statement read.
“The suspect, Inspector Victor Okus… has been arrested and is currently in police custody,” it confirmed.
In response, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The CP stated that the suspect will face an Orderly Room Trial and will subsequently be charged to court for prosecution.
Commissioner Adepoju also extended the command’s condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the late Inspector Sani, reaffirming the force’s commitment to “upholding professionalism and accountability within its ranks.”
