….Four police officers killed in Imo police station attack
….Izombe residents vacate homes in fear
….JTF cracks down hoodlum’s camp in Ukpor, Nnewi, recover vehicles, arms, charms, coffin, military wears
By Grace Ofurum, Anthony Ogbekile
Hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and their militia affiliates, Eastern Security Network (ESN) have attacked Agwa Police Station in Ohaji-Egbema area of Imo state. The gunmen who were many came with two vehicles and a tipper, shooting sporadically and used the tipper vehicle in knocking down the gate of the police station to gain entrance into the station, throwing Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petrol bombs. According to the police spokesman Mike Abattam, “the police operatives of the division joined by the Command’s Tactical Teams gave the hoodlums a stiff resistance, engaging them in a gun duel.
The hoodlums, who were fatally hit with a lot of casualty on their side, retreated, escaping in their vehicles”. “The fire which affected a parked private car and some motorcycles was later put off, preventing it from causing more damages. Fortunately, the building was not affected. In the attack, two suspects in custody escaped, four police officers gallantly paid the supreme price, while one rifle is yet to be recovered.
Meanwhile, the area has been fortified with enough police operatives.” The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde psc(+) , who visited the scene on confidence building patrol and on the spot assessment of the incident, visited the Eze of the Community, HRH Eze (Dr) I. O Asor (fcin) in his Palace where he assured him and members his community of the Command’s commitment in ensuring that peace is restored and the Command will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law. He further enjoined them to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within their communities to the nearest police station.
In Izombe, the headquarters of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state, first hand information say gunshots, burning and vandalization of vehicles has become the order of the day by men suspected to be from the dreaded Ebubeagu security outfit. People now live in fear of the unknown and the uncertainty of life in the next minute has become more palpable. Recall that shortly after the Awomma mma massacre where about 14 guest were reportedly killed, the same Ebubeagu invaded Izombe community and youths from the community gathered together in protest with the Ebubeagu officers shooting to scare the angry protesters away.
These incidents occur barely days after gunmen opened fire on men from the Hausa community in Orogwe, Owerri West LGA, with seven persons confirmed dead. Community sources revealed to News Echo that the attack was a retaliatory one, after security operatives suspected to be members of Ebubeagu Security outfit came to the village and whisked a youth away.
Anambra state Joint Task Force JTF has tracked down the camp of the Unknown gunmen at Ukpor Nnewi South Local Government. Reports say that security agents have recovered cars, charms, coffin, and military wears and apprehended the Hoodlums for further interrogation. Unknown Gunmen have been terrorizing Anambra State for a while now until the people and the government of Anambra State decided to fight them head-on.
