An Inspector of the Nigerian Police Force, identified as Shehu Oyibo, has been reportedly killed by gunmen in Abia State.
The murdered officer was serving with the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), as confirmed in a statement made available to newsmen by the Abia State Command Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka.
According to her, three civilians were brutally killed during the attack on a police patrol team stationed along Mosque Street, Ngwa Road, in Aba.
The attack marks three weeks following the previous loss of two police officers at Opobo Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
On the latest attack, the police mouthpiece stated that the assailants, operating from a Toyota Sienna bus on Mosque Street, Ngwa Road, initiated fire upon the police team upon their approach.
In a valiant effort to repel the attack, the police team successfully defended themselves.
However, the ensuing firefight resulted in the deaths of three civilians, identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong God’sgift Clement, who were fatally struck by stray bullets.
Chinaka confirmed that the assailants were also killed in the confrontation, while several others sustained injuries and escaped with bullet wounds.
Vanguard, however, quoted eyewitnesses to have reported that the number of casualties may be higher, with additional injuries and fatalities possibly occurring during the incident.
The police mouthpiece confirmed that the bodies of the deceased had been transported to a morgue within the city for further examination.
She said, “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 11.28hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba, Abia State Command, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men assailants in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle. The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries. Unfortunately, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, three civilians who were later identified as Chika Godliveth ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State were killed by bullets from the assailants.
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
The PPRO has implored the populace to conduct their lawful endeavours with a sense of security, given that law enforcement personnel have been strategically positioned across the state to safeguard both life and property.
Furthermore, the PPRO urged the citizens to promptly notify the authorities of any suspicious activities or individuals exhibiting signs of gunshot wounds.
