Victor EzejaUnidentified gunmen on Saturday morning, attacked and killed two police officers in Imo State, South East Nigeria on Saturday morning.
This was confirmed in a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye. According to Okoye, the incident occurred along old Gariki Road, Okigwe Council Area of the state.
The police spokesperson said the gunmen threw dynamite at the police officers while on security patrol, leading to death of two of the officers while four survived the attack after an exchange of gunfire with the attackers.
According to him, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has condemned the attack and gruesome murder of the officers and directed men of the Command to launch manhunt, in collaboration with sister security agencies, to capture the perpetrators.
The command alleged that the attack was carried out by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The officers were ambushed in the early hours of today, 23/03/2024 while on patrol duties along old Gariki Road Okigwe by the disgruntled elements who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight. In the process, two officers paid the ultimate price while four others survived the attack,” part of the statement narrated.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Kill Seven At Gas Project Site In Imo
“On receipt of the ugly incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside Commander Mopol 18 and 64, immediately led operatives of the Command’s Special Tactical Unit to the crime scene for on-the-spot assessment and tasked the operatives to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack.
“More so, CP Aboki Danjuma has mandated the Assistant Commissioner of Police in Charge of Okigwe, the DPO, and other Tactical units deployed in Okigwe to embark on visibility patrol, intelligence-led raids of criminal hideouts, and place watertight security to forestall any future occurrence.
“The CP calls on the general public particularly the residents of Okigwe who may have any useful information that may assist the Police in the investigation to kindly do so by reporting at the nearest Police Station or via 08034773600, 08103341610.”
The statement added that the CP urged the residents to go about their lawful business without fear or intimidation and not panic at the sight of the massive deployment of security operatives in Okigwe.
He also urged them to support the Police and other security agencies in the onslaught against violent crimes in the State
“While empathizing with the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased officers, the Commissioner of Police reiterates in strong terms that the Command under his watch would not condone any form of attack on security personnel in the State. He assures them that the Command would leave no stone unturned in ensuring the perpetrators of this dastardly act are all arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law,” the command stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
