Two more police stations; Umundugba Police Division in Isu Local Government Area and Omuma Police Division in Oru East Local Government Area were reportedly attacked and set ablaze by gunmen on Monday, during the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to information obtained by News Echo, the attackers succeeded in gaining access to the police stations, setting them ablaze while carting away arms and ammunitions after releasing some detainees.
However, a press release by Imo State Police command disclosed that the two separate attacks was repelled by police men on duty who engaged the hoodlums in a prolonged gun duel which forced them to retreat without fulfilling their mission.
A press release endorsed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bala Elkana, acknowledged that the hoodlums succeeded in setting the station at Umundugba ablaze, using petrol bombs, but quickly added that police officers and villagers rallied to put the fire out.
“On 31st May, 2021, at about 1530 hours, some hoodlums in their number launched an attack on Police Division Umundugba, Isu Local Government Area, but was repelled by the policemen on duty. They stormed the station in three Sienna buses, one Avalon saloon car and about eight motorcycles. The hoodlums were engaged in a gun battle. During the duel, the hoodlums threw a couple of petrol bombs at the station which fell at the exhibit room.
The attackers were eventually suppressed and they made a retreat, having suffered huge defeat and a number of casualties on their side. The Police with the help of some members of the community were able to put off the fire.
“A similar attempt was made by some hoodlums to attack Omuma Police Division but was equally repelled by the gallant policemen on duty. No life was lost in the two attacks and there were no casually on the part of the Police. The two Police Stations were not burnt.
“There is however, no security breach or infraction recorded throughout the day in the entire state. This could be attributed to the massive deployment of security personnel across the state by the police and other supporting security agencies who provided watertight security to the peace loving people of Imo State”.
The release added that the Commissioner of Police Imo State, CP Abutu Yaro, has commended the efforts of the men for repelling the attacks on the two police stations and keeping the state safe.
