The Delta State Police command has recovered remains of four of its officers allegedly killed along the Benin river while boating to a hideout to collect bribes from militants stealing oil at Abiugborodo.
Only one, Mr Ugbo, on board the boat, swam to safety with bullet wounds and is currently recuperating at an undisclosed hospital, according to some members of the community said.
The officers were said to have ventured into the journey at about 2:30 a.m. on that fateful day without a back- up patrol boat.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the recovery on Thursday in Warrim though he denied the other allegations.
Reacting to reports that the police were on illegal patrol when they got killed, Mr. Aniamaka said:
“We expect sympathy and to commiserate with the institution that lost four of its men inside the deep.
“We do not deploy our men to go and be collecting money from militants. Whatever duty they were on, we are investigating the matter.
“I am reflecting on how insensitive and callous certain persons can be especially on issues relating to the police,” he said
The victims were identified as Aghoro (Commander), Sagay, Andrew and Mejer and their bodies were deposited at Sapale General Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri.
Their vandalised boat was also taken to Abiugborodo community under the care of some soldiers.
The militants have not been arrested.