Delta forestry workers, suspect perish in abandoned well accident during pursuit

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident in which a personnel of the Nigeria Forestry and Security Service and another individual lost their lives after falling into an abandoned open well and drowning.

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This unfortunate event occurred on Thursday along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku road, in the Aniocha South Local Government Area, during a joint patrol by police operatives and personnel of the Nigeria Forestry and Security Service.

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According to Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, the joint team encountered two men, later identified as Adama Augustine and another individual, who fled upon sighting the officers, prompting a chase by the forest officers.

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The pursuit led Adama Augustine to jump into an uncompleted building, with one of the forest officers continuing the chase, resulting in both individuals falling into an abandoned open well inside the building site and drowning.

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Rescue efforts were made, and the victims were rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, with their bodies now awaiting autopsy at the hospital morgue.

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The Command described the accident as "very painful and tragic" and expressed deep condolences to the family of Mr. Eze Ifeanyi, a personnel of the Nigeria Forestry and Security Service, as well as the family of the late Adama Augustine.

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The Command also extended its condolences to all those affected by the tragedy, emphasizing that no shooting took place and that the police were not involved in the deaths of the two individuals.

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An investigation into the incident has commenced, with the Command reassuring the people of Ogwashi-Uku and Delta State of its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents and urging everyone to remain calm and disregard rumours.