Youths in Aladja Community, Delta State, have demanded accountability for the escape of two notorious armed robbers from police custody. They are calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to hold the AIG Zone 5 and the Delta State Commissioner of Police responsible for the escape.
Emmanuel Emetejitaye, Chairman of the Aladja Welfare Council, expressed concern over the safety of residents. He warned that the escape puts both the community and those involved in the arrest at risk. “We fear for our lives. These robbers are dangerous,” he said.
The armed robbers were arrested by a local security outfit on December 31, 2024, and handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Division. However, two of the four suspects managed to escape from the police cell, despite it being well-secured.
Emetejitaye questioned how the escape happened. “We asked if the keys were broken. They said no. We asked if the walls were damaged, they said no,” he explained. He found it hard to believe only two suspects escaped while others remained in the cell.
The community has called for an investigation into the officers on duty during the incident. They also want the government to support efforts to rearrest the robbers. Emetejitaye stressed that the escape has lowered the morale of the local security forces.
Aladja youths are urging immediate action from both the police and the Delta State Government to ensure the robbers are caught and justice is served.