Police escort shot dead as gunmen invade church in Delta

A police officer was shot dead on Sunday, when gunmen stormed a church in Ughelli, Delta state.

Onome Onovwakpoyeya, Delta police public relations officer (PPRO), confirmed the development to newsmen on Sunday in Warri.

“Yes, he (police officer) followed his principal (not named) to the church,” the PPRO said.

According to NAN, an eyewitness said the gunmen allegedly stormed a church located on Oviri-Ogor road in Ughelli north local government area (LGA) of the state, while service was ongoing, and shot the victim three times.

The deceased, a police inspector, was said to have been serving at PMF 31, Ogwashi-Uku, and was on escort duty at the time of the incident.

“The service was abruptly stopped at about 11.15 a.m. when gunshots rented the air inside the church premises and worshippers scampered for safety,” the source was quoted to have said.

“It was after the gunmen escaped that some youths summoned the courage to come out, only to discover the police officer in a pool of his blood.”

The source added that the policeman was confirmed dead at the Central Hospital, Ughelli, where he was rushed to for medical attention.