A gang of ritualists have been arrested by the police, in relation to the rape and brutal murder of a 50-year-old woman in Delta State.
The victim, identified as Mrs. Patience Komone, a resident of Umeh community, Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, was said to have been killed and her remains dumped in a bush in the community.
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The deceased fondly called Pat, a native of Otughievwen, Ughelli South Local Government Area was declared missing by her family since Tuesday 27 July, when she left her home to Umeh where she periodically buys pepper and sundry vegetables for sale along Sapele Road, Effurun, Uvwie.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday, August 4, said the decomposing body of the woman was found in the bush on Tuesday, following the arrest of one suspect, Onoriode Simon Akpoavirhi, 25, the Okada rider who carried her on that fateful day.
The suspect was arrested, alongside sixteen others for kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal behavior across the state.
On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker, now at large. They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete.
They also confessed to have collected one hundred thousand naira (N100,000) from one Lucky Daniel of Ohoro town to supply him the eyes and private part.
“Sequel to the missing person report received by the Command on 2/8/21 at about 1456hrs of one Mrs. Patience Komore aged 50yrs, who disappeared after leaving for Umeh market in Isoko south LGA to get fish.
I directed the Divisional police officer Oleh to unravel the mystery behind her disappearance,” the CP stated
“The DPO Mobilized police operatives, vigilante, and community leaders who continuously worked together and gathered information regarding the case. Acting on a tip off, on 3/8/2021 at about 1300hours, One Onos Simon m’ age 25yrs an Okada man was arrested, the Okada rider was the same person who carried the woman on that faithful day.
“On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killing of the missing woman Mrs. Patience Komore in connivance with one Akpoghene Shoemaker ‘m’ now at large.
“They raped her and robbed her of the sum of forty thousand before killing her using a machete. Not only did they kill her, they also removed her eyes and private part for ritual purposes. Suspect also confessed that one lucky Daniel of Ohoro town contracted them to bring the body part for him after paying them one hundred thousand naira (#100,000).
“The decomposing corpse has been recovered and deposited in the mortuary. Members of the public are hereby urged to assist the police with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the fleeing Akpoghene shoemaker and lucky Daniel,” he added.
