Inspector Accidentally Shoots Colleague Dead During Cultist Arrest Operation
In a tragic turn of events, the Delta State Police Command is grappling with the consequences of an accidental shooting that resulted in the death of Corporal Chinonso Okafor at the hands of Inspector Afang Luke. The incident occurred on January 16, 2024, around 4:30 PM, during a pursuit of suspected cultists in Mosogar.
Inspector Afang Luke, identified with AP/NO.270433, and Corporal Chinonso Okafor, bearing F/NO.413029, were both part of raider teams engaged in the chase. As the teams closed in on the fleeing cultists, panic ensued, and the suspects scattered in an attempt to evade arrest.
In a determined effort to apprehend the suspects, Inspector Afang Luke allegedly discharged his firearm. Tragically, the intended targets eluded the bullets, but Corporal Chinonso Okafor fell victim to the misfire, sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to his back.
Prompt medical attention was sought for Corporal Okafor as he was rushed to Central Hospital Sapele. Unfortunately, upon arrival, he was pronounced dead. The untimely demise of Corporal Okafor has left the police force in mourning and has raised concerns about the operational protocols during high-intensity situations.
According to police sources, “Two teams of Raiders Tactical Squad, while on routine patrol at Mosogar, intercepted some boys suspected to be cultists, who took to their heels on sighting the policemen.” The statement continued, “In a bid to arrest the hoodlums, AP/NO.270433 Inspector Afang Luke accidentally shot F/NO.413029 Corporal Chinonso Okafor at his back region with an FNC rifle.”
As the investigation unfolds, Inspector Afang Luke is currently in custody at Sapele division. Additionally, two suspects apprehended during the operation, whose names remain unknown at this time, are also detained at the Sapele division. The incident highlights the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers during operations and underscores the need for meticulous adherence to safety protocols.