2nd January, 2022
Richard Elesho/Lokoja
There is anger in Egume community in Kogi State over the escape of an alleged kidnapper who recently killed his victim and a notorious vandal for the cell of the the police division in the area.
The notorious vandal who specialised in theft of electricity cables, copper wires among others and deadly kidnapper surprisingly beat tight security at the police station to escape from the cell last Friday.
The notorious vandal was allegedly arrested by Akogu Omaga Vigilante Guards few weeks ago and later handed them over to the Egume Police Division for further investigation.
On the other hand, the alleged kidnapper was transferred to Egume Police custody from Lokoja few days ago.
While people of the area were enthusiastically expecting thorough investigation and punishment of the arrested culprits to serve as a deterrent to others in the community, they were informed on 1st January 2022 that the suspects escaped from the Police custody on the previous day.
When contacted, the Divisional Police Officer in Egume DSP. Sylvester .A. said he was not competent to speak to the press on the matter. But he said he has referred the matter to the State Command for further investigation.
But sources close to the Police in Kogi hinted our correspondent that the two inspectors have since been arrested and detained at the Egume Divisional Police over the incident.
One of the detained officers, Inspector Yunusa allegedly told investigators that escapees deceived him that they needed water to flush the toilet and in the process, he was overpowered.
In his reaction, the Security Chairman of Egume, Hon. Gowon Omale said he suspected a foul play. He alleged that the two detained Police inspectors, Yunusa and Atabor may have conspired with the escapees.
He also noted that the officer stationed at the gate was not there as at the time other officers were shouting for a closure of the gate when it was noticed that criminals were on rampage. .
Omale who condemned the laxity of the police on the issue, stressed that the acclaimed synergy between the Police and other security agencies in curbing criminality in the society may not be achieved much under such situation.
It would be recalled that people of the community have cried out severally over the shabby deals of some police officers who have spent between eight and nine years in Egume Community without transfer, which according to them could lead to their familiarity with criminals troubling their area.
The Kogi Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Williams Ayah could not be reached for comment as his phone was not going through as at the time of writing this story.