By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A joint patrol by police operatives and personnel of the Nigeria Forest Security Service (NFSS) ended in tragedy on Thursday, 14th May 2026, after two men – including a forest officer – drowned in an abandoned well.
The incident occurred along the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku road, by Mega Chis.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Delta State Police Command, the patrol team spotted two men later identified as Adama Augustine and another individual.
Upon sighting the team, the pair fled, prompting forest officers attached to the patrol to give chase.
As the officers closed in, Mr Augustine jumped into an uncompleted building.
One of the forest officers, Mr Eze Ifeanyi, continued pursuit. In a devastating turn, both men fell into an open, abandoned well on the site and drowned.
They were rescued and rushed to Ogwashi General Hospital, but a doctor on duty confirmed them dead.
Their remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue pending an autopsy.
The Police Command was quick to refute rumours of any shooting.
“No shooting took place. Nobody was killed by the police,” insisted SP Edafe Bright, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, in the statement.
Expressing deep condolences, the Command mourned with the families of Mr Ifeanyi and Mr Augustine, as well as the forest service colleagues of the deceased officer.
An investigation has already commenced, and the police have urged the public to remain calm and disregard misinformation.
“We appeal for continued support and information from the public as we work to prevent such future occurrences,” the statement added.
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