…As Woman Found with 178 Live Cartridges Arrested in Tuomo
By Sunday Apah
The police have arrested six members of the Omone family and one other person for allegations of kidnapping in the Ubeji community, as well as a woman found with 178 live cartridges in Tuomo, all located in Delta State.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Friday, it was noted that on October 30, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM, operatives from the Bomadi Division, under the command of DPO CSP Adie Peter Bissong, were conducting a joint stop-and-search operation with the Bomadi Vigilante when they intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road.
According to the statement, “The cyclist, who appeared uneasy, was transporting a 62-year-old woman, later identified as Charter Timide, to the Tuomo Community.”
“Upon a thorough search, officers discovered a concealed sack containing one hundred seventy-eight (178) live cartridges neatly packed for delivery.”
“When interrogated, the suspect admitted to purchasing the cartridges from the Onitsha Main Market, a hub long known for its bustling trade.”
“Her confession immediately triggered further intelligence follow-up to uncover the destination and purpose of the ammunition.”
“The suspect and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Headquarters for a discreet investigation to trace possible links to armed groups or black-market suppliers.”
Also, on October 30, 2025, at approximately 11:40 AM, the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division received a distress report of a suspected kidnapping incident in the Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant.
“Acting on the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, deployed a team of detectives and patrol operatives to the scene.”
“Upon sighting the approaching police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry house within the same community.”
“The DPO’s team swiftly cordoned off the area, resulting in the arrest of the following suspects, all from the Ubeji Community: Felix Omone (m, 33), Solomon Omone (m, 29), Tony Eboye (m, 34), Omone David (m, 32), Jerry Omone (m, 33), Godspower Omone (m, 25), and Edewho Bomele (m, 33).”
“The operation also successfully rescued three male victims, all from the Jeddo Community, who were safely reunited with their families.”
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted at a dredging site in Ubeji, ferried across the river, and later contacted with threats that they would be killed if certain demands were not met.”
“All arrested suspects are currently in custody, while efforts continue to apprehend fleeing accomplices and recover any weapons or equipment used in the operation.”
