Imo Police confirm killing of officers by gunmen … Move to apprehend perpetrators

By CHINYERE Nnaemeka

The Imo State Police Command have confirmed the killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabor in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State, saying they have set up a high-powered investigation team to investigate into the attack and ensure that the culprit are apprehended.

This was disclosed in a report made available to newsmen by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Henry Okoye.

The report reads:

The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabor in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

“The tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

“In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

“More so, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

“The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State.

“While commiserating with the affected families on the death of their loved ones, the Commissioner of Police assured them that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

“The Command, therefore, calls on all and sundry who may have any useful information that will assist in the ongoing investigation to bring the culprit to book to kindly report at the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.”

It would be recalled that the social media was awash with report of how two officers where shoot down by gunmen at the early hours of Tuesday morning while conducting their stop-and-search duty.