The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has condemned the attack and gruesome murder of four police operatives and a civilian, by gunmen suspected to be members of the Proscribed IPOB/ESN, and has deployed the command’s tactical units to hunt the hoodlums responsible for the attack.
The operatives were ambushed and killed while on routine patrol at Irete along the Owerri-Onitsha express road. A civilian was fatally hit during the gun duel.
A statement by the Police Public Relations, Imo State Command, ASP Henry Okoye, said on receipt of the unfortunate incident, the Commissioner of Police, immediately mobilised to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incident, evacuated the lifeless bodies of the deceased, and deposited them at the mortuary for preservation.
The injured victim was rushed to a nearby hospital where he is currently responding to treatment.
He said, “The Commissioner of Police expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and vowed that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice, stressing that the miscreants responsible for the senseless attack have murdered peace.
“The tragic incident serves as a painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to public safety.
“CP Aboki Danjuma commiserates with the families of the deceased victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.”
The CP also called on the general public, particularly the residents of Ogbakwu who may have any information that will assist the police in apprehending the hoodlums responsible for the attack, to report the same at the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.