Police in Rivers have arrested 16 suspects in connection with Thursday’s murder of Insp Christiana Erekere in Bori.
Police spokesperson in the state, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, stated in Port Harcourt on Monday, that Erekere was killed while manning a checkpoint.
“She was killed following an altercation with a group of individuals travelling in a Lexus salon car, who were stopped for routine checks in front of Bori Police Station.
“After the occupants of the vehicle were stopped, they became agitated and proceeded to barricade the road, disrupting the flow of traffic,’’ she stated.
Iringe-Koko added that following the completion of checks on the vehicle, officers on duty asked the occupants to vacate the road.
“Unfortunately, they refused to vacate the road, claiming that Erekere had recorded a video of their disruptive behaviour using her mobile phone.
“In their attempt to forcibly seize Erekere’s phone, they pelted her with stones.
“Upon losing consciousness, Erekere was immediately transported to a hospital in Bori, where she tragically succumbed to the injuries sustained in the assault,’’ she stated.
Iringe-Koko stated also that the deceased officer’s body had been deposited in a mortuary pending autopsy.
She assured that those responsible for the brutal attack would face prosecution if found culpable.
“The command expresses its deepest condolences to the family of our departed colleague during this difficult time,’’ Iringe-Koko stressed.