EBENEZER ADUROKIYA, Warri
One operative of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) and a civilian identified as Adama Augustine have lost their lives after falling into an abandoned well during a joint police-forestry patrol in Ogwashi-Uku.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the accident in a press release on Friday, 15th May 2026, describing it as “a very painful and tragic accident.”
According to the Command, the joint team was on routine duty on Thursday along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku road, when two men were spotted.
The men ran off upon seeing the patrol, prompting forest officers to give chase.
In the ensuing pursuit, Mr Augustine jumped into an uncompleted building.
A forest officer, named the late Mr Eze Ifeanyi, followed him inside.
Tragically, both fell into an abandoned open well on the property and drowned.
Emergency responders rescued the two men and rushed them to Ogwashi General Hospital, where a doctor pronounced them dead.
Their bodies are now in the hospital morgue awaiting an autopsy.
The Police Command has moved swiftly to counter rumours circulating in the area.
“We want to make it very clear: No shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” the statement read.
The Command extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of both deceased, as well as to the colleagues of the fallen forest officer.
An investigation has been launched, and residents of Ogwashi-Uku and Delta State have been urged to remain calm and ignore false reports.
“We mourn with all those affected by this calamity,” the police added, appealing for public cooperation to help prevent similar tragedies in future.
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