Delta police confirms attack on officer by naval ratings

Ebenezer Adurokiya – Warri

Barely three days after, the police authorities in Delta State have confirmed the bloodied attack on a police sergeant at Enerhen Police Divisional Headquarters by naval ratings in Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent had reported on Friday March 9 that certain naval ratings invaded the police station in a gangster-like manner shot into the air and inflicted bodily injuries on one Sergeant Kingsley of the Nigeria Police.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Delta State Police Command, through its Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.

He identified the overzealous naval rating, who led 15 others in the gangsterism, as Kevwe Ejaita, who had earlier had an altercation with one of the policemen posted as Station Guards at the security barrier in front of the Police Station.

The statement reads: “On 08/03/2023 at about 1445hrs a Naval rating, identified as Kevwe Ejaita ‘m’ alongside two others who lodged at Oguta lake hotel behind Enerhen Division, while driving out of the area, had an altercation with one of the policemen posted as Station Guards at the security barrier in front of the Police Station.

“Surprisingly, on 09/03/2023, the said Kevwe Ejaita, returned to the station with about fifteen other naval ratings, attacked the police sergeant (name withheld) with whom he had an altercation the previous day, tore his uniform and inflicted injuries on his face.

“The DPO Enerhen Division promptly responded with his men, and the attack was successfully repelled while the said Kevwe Ejaita, who was the arrowhead of the group, was arrested.

“The Naval authority in Warri on being informed of the situation detailed a team of Naval Police personnel to proceed to the Division.

“The arrested Naval Rating was released to the navy authority on request for necessary disciplinary action.

“The injured police sergeant was taken to the hospital for treatment and later discharged.

“Meanwhile, the command and the leadership of Nigerian Navy in the state have taken steps to avert a recurrence.

“The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Police Command, CP Ari Muhammed Ali, while condemning the act by the Naval Ratings, appreciates members of the public for their concern.

“He, therefore, warned in strong terms that assault on police officers while performing their lawful duties by anyone will not be tolerated and advised residents of the state to learn to seek redress through the established channels rather than adopting self-help option by taking the law into their own hands.”