From Ben Dunno, Warri

An Assistant Commissioner of Police and Commander, Ughelli Area Police Command, ACP Usman Ndanbabo, who was shot severally at a close range during an attack by some gunmen on Sunday evening, has been confirmed dead.

He died yesterday’s afternoon at about 12: 37 pm in a private hospital within the Warri metropolis, where he was rushed to  for an intensive medical care, following the gun shot injuries sustained during the attack on him by gunmen.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta Police Command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, who confirmed the area commander’s death in a telephone conversation yesterday, expressed heart felt sympathy over the demise of the senior police officer.

According to him, “with heavy heart, I regret to announce the passing away of one of our senior police officers, ACP Usman Ndanbabo, who was shot at a close range on Sunday night at Ughelli by yet to be identified gunmen.

“He passed away at about noon today (yesterday) in a private hospital in Warri, after struggling with death several hours after the ugly incident occurred.”

While praying for the soul of the deceased officer to rest in peace, DSP Aniamaka said the command would be sending a high power delegation to the family for condolences.

The area commander was attacked on Sunday night at about 8pm while driving alone.

Ndanbabo, who was shot twice at a closed range, was receiving treatment in an intensive care unit of a private hospital in Warri before the cold hand of death caught up with him.

A security source told our correspondent that the victim regained consciousness after doctors battling to save his life, carried out successful surgery on him. He however, relapsed and died.

The attack that caused Usman’s life was  the second since he assumed office at the Ughelli command.  He was first attacked by armed Fulani herdsmen, when he led over 60 policemen to raid a farmland being forcefully occupied by them at Ohoro community, in Ughelli North.

The State Police Commissioner, Zanna Ibrahim, had rushed to the hospital where the injured senior police officer was being treated on Monday.

He  had stated, late Monday: “I’m just leaving the hospital in Warri. He has been stabilised and it is not a life-threatening incident.

“Nobody has been arrested in connection with the attack. We are waiting until he recovers to give us hints. He was driving alone when the gunmen struck.

“The police don’t engage in indiscriminate arrest and not under my watch. That’s why I told you we have not arrested anyone until he (victim) gives us hints of what happened. We don’t just arrest anyhow. Two wrongs don’t make a right. He is stabilising. He even spoke with me.

“The public should be more vigilant because it is very funny that someone will be shot in the heart of the town and the attackers could escape at about 8pm. It was a busy hour and people were everywhere.”