The Delta state police command has denied reports claiming its officers killed a woman and a child at PTI junction in Warri, Delta state on Wednesday January 20.
WITHIN NIGERIA had earlier reported that eyewitnesses claimed a woman and her child were killed after police officers rammed into a tricycle they were conveying in.
According to the residents, the officers were chasing suspected internet fraudsters when they rammed into the tricycle.
However, in a statement released by its spokesperson, DSP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the state police command said the incident was a multiple-car accident that did not involve the police. According to the statement, the police only arrived at the scene to assist the victims of the accident but were attacked by the irate youths.
Read the statement below
”The Delta State Police Command wish to put the records straight in respect of the ugly incident that occurred today being 20/1/2021 at about 13:40hrs along PTI Express Way in Effurun, Uvwie LGA of Delta State where a multiple fatal motor/tricycle accident occurred.
The accident involved a Mercedes Tipper with Reg. No. WWR 425 ZR loaded with granite, a Toyota Camry car with Reg. No. AKD 403 FM and a Tricycle Reg. No yet unknown all moving in the same direction and Police vehicle was never involved. Two passengers conveyed by the Tricycle a woman and a baby girl died on the spot and other passengers were injured.
The Delta State Police Command deeply sympathizes with the families of the deceased and the injured persons and equally frowns at the unjust treatment meted to Police officers who went to rescue the victims by members of the public, they went as far as burning the Police patrol vehicle that came for the rescue operation. The Perpetrators of this dastardly act will be brought to book.
The Command also wishes to inform the general public that neither Operation Delta Hawk nor Ebrumede patrol vehicle was involved as speculated earlier
DSP ONOME ONOVWAKPOYEYA
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA.
