The Delta State Police Command has arrested two robbery suspects who engage in attacking churches, especially in Ogwashi – Uku area of the state, and carting away their worship instruments.
The suspects: Emmanuel Emiowor, 21, of PTI Road, Warri, and Noah Philip, 20, of PTI Road, Warri were arrested when a police patrol team in conjunction with local Vigilante group intercepted their gold-coloured Toyota Sienna Space Van, marked EFR-150-XB. The suspects were ridding in Toyota Sienna.
A search of the suspects and the vehicle led to the recovery of a Pump Action Gun, three (3) Single Barrel Local Guns, One Local Revolver Gun, a Live Cartridge, and an Iron Rod (used in breaking church doors).
A statement by the Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirming the arrest of the suspects stated that there had been complaints by concerned residents about the activities of a syndicate that attacks churches at night, and cart away church instruments and other items.
Edafe stated further that while implementing the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, to police divisions across the state to end the menace, operatives from the Ogwashi – Uku division received a hint on September 16 about a looming attack on Dominican City Church along Polytechnic Road by Sticals Hotel. They moved swiftly to the area and intercepted the suspects.
The police spokesperson revealed that the suspects had confessed to being members of a syndicate specialising in attacking churches.
Edafe noted that some looted property had been recovered.while the suspects alongside the exhibits had also been taken in custody for discreet investigation.
He quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, as reaffirming the command’s unwavering determination to rid the State of criminal elements.
