Aladja Youths Demand Action After Robbers Escape Police Custody

Youths from Aladja in the Udu Local Government Area of Delta State have demanded a full investigation into the escape of two notorious armed robbers from police custody. The community has called for the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to hold the AIG Zone 5 and the Delta State Commissioner of Police accountable.

The two criminals were among four arrested on December 31, 2024, by a local volunteer security outfit in Aladja and handed over to the Ovwian/Aladja Police Division. However, shockingly, two of the suspects managed to escape from the well-secured police holding cells, prompting outrage within the community.

Emmanuel Emetejitaye, Chairman of the Aladja Welfare Council, expressed concern over the safety of residents and those involved in the suspects’ arrest. “The lives of our people are at risk.” Emetejitaye said.

The community’s alarm grew after the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO), identified only as Musa, explained that the escapees had managed to flee despite the cell being described as “well fortified.” Emetejitaye questioned police statements, asking how the criminals escaped when the keys and cell walls were intact. He also raised concerns over one of the five cells in the station being left unlocked, where the two escapees were held.

Emetejitaye emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the escape has undermined the morale of police officers involved in the operation. “The community is calling for immediate action to re-arrest the criminals and restore confidence in our security forces,” he added.

The Aladja community has urged both the state government and the federal government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the escape, particularly focusing on the officers on duty at the time.

The escape has sparked widespread fear in the area, with residents fearing that the robbers may seek revenge on those who helped apprehend them. The whereabouts of the escapees remain unknown, and the community is anxiously awaiting action from the police.