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The Delta State Police Command has dismissed reports suggesting that officers shot two persons during a patrol operation in Ogwashi-Uku, clarifying that a personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and a civilian died in what it described as a tragic accident during a joint security operation.

The command said the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 14, 2026, along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku Road near Mega Chis, during a routine patrol involving police operatives and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, members of the joint patrol team spotted two men behaving suspiciously and attempted to stop them.

The men, later identified as Adama Augustine and another individual, reportedly fled on sighting the security team, prompting officers attached to the patrol, including forest security personnel, to pursue them.

Police said that during the chase, Adama allegedly jumped into an uncompleted building in a bid to evade arrest.

A forest security operative identified as Eze Ifeanyi, who continued the pursuit, reportedly fell alongside Adama into an abandoned open well located within the building premises.

“The two men drowned after falling into the abandoned well during the pursuit,” the police said.

The victims were said to have been rescued and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead on arrival.

Their remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue pending autopsy.

Reacting to the incident, the Delta State Police Command described the development as painful and tragic, extending condolences to the families of the deceased, particularly the relatives of the late forest security operative, Eze Ifeanyi, and Adama Augustine.

The command also moved to dispel rumours surrounding the circumstances of the deaths.

“We want to make it very clear: no shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” the statement stressed.

Police authorities disclosed that an investigation had commenced to establish all surrounding circumstances of the incident.

The command reassured residents of Ogwashi-Uku and the wider Delta State community of its commitment to public safety while urging members of the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.

Authorities also appealed for continued cooperation from residents, particularly in sharing credible information that could support security efforts and help prevent similar incidents.

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A heavily pregnant woman identified as Ruth Nen Maurice has reportedly lost her life in a tragic road accident allegedly caused by a reckless driver attempting to evade officials of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) in Jos.

The fatal incident occurred on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the city centre and has sparked grief and outrage among residents.

According to eyewitness accounts, the driver allegedly made a dangerous attempt to escape from VIO operatives before losing control and knocking down the woman, who was reportedly standing by the roadside waiting to board a vehicle to the hospital for an antenatal appointment.

A close friend of the deceased, Ewan Boss Julz Odumu, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday.

He disclosed that Ruth was heavily pregnant with twins and was close to delivery before the tragic accident occurred.

“A mother who was preparing to welcome twins back home never made it alive. Her unborn babies never got the chance to cry, breathe, or see this world because of somebody’s reckless decision,” he wrote.

The heartbreaking incident has triggered emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians calling for stricter traffic enforcement procedures and accountability in the conduct of road operations.

Confirming the development, spokesperson of the Plateau State Police Command, DSP Alfred Alabo, said the driver involved in the accident had been arrested.

He added that investigations into the incident had commenced and that the suspect would be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.

The incident has further renewed concerns over reckless driving and the dangers often associated with attempts by motorists to evade law enforcement and traffic officials.

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Newton Isokpehi, the police officer who sparked outrage online after threatening to shoot anyone caught filming him while on duty, has apologised to Nigerians, saying his comments were made out of frustration.

In a video posted on his TikTok page on Thursday, the officer addressed the controversy generated by his earlier remarks and pleaded for forgiveness from the public and rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who had shared the viral clip.

“Please forgive me. If I offended you as a brother, forgive me. That statement was just out of annoyance because of the things that are happening. These things are painful,” he said.

Speaking in Pidgin English, Isokpehi insisted that his comments were misunderstood and clarified that he was not against citizens recording police officers.

“Actually, you can video us. You are allowed to video a policeman. But it’s not right for just anybody to come from anywhere and start videoing officers on duty. They have taken it too far,” he stated.

The officer, who revealed that he is from Edo State and was raised in a police barracks in Kaduna, described himself as a committed officer who has dedicated years to serving the country.

“Anywhere people ask about me, people will testify to my character. I have worked in the Mobile Police for 12 years. I have worked for my fatherland with all my heart,” he said.

As part of his emotional appeal, Isokpehi displayed several gunshot wounds on his body, saying they were sustained during active operations.

“Look at my body, these are all bullets. These are all gunshot wounds. See my chest, the bullet has eaten into it. Out of 17 of us, only two survived that operation,” he said.

“We have suffered in this work. So it was out of annoyance. We don’t even like complaining,” he added.

The policeman also attempted to walk back his earlier threat, insisting he had no intention of harming civilians.

“How can I be saying I will kill my own people? We don’t do that. I spoke out of annoyance. That one was just verbal talk,” he said.

Directly appealing to Gwamnishu and Nigerians, Isokpehi admitted that the backlash had escalated beyond what he expected.

“Harrison, forgive me. I beg the whole of Nigeria, please forgive me. This one has reached too far. If you want to know me, come and meet me one-on-one. You will know me personally. I will not run. I will not surrender,” he said.

He concluded by expressing hope that conditions for police officers would improve under the current Inspector General of Police.

“We have decided that we will die for our fatherland. One day, things will surely get better by the grace of God. One love to the world,” he added.

The apology comes barely 24 hours after a video of the officer threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders near anyone filming him, circulated widely on X and Instagram, triggering criticism and calls for disciplinary action.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue an official statement on the matter.