Abia state police command has confirmed the death of a police officer, Shehu Oyibo and two suspected assailants during an exchange of gunfire on Sunday in Aba.
The police public relations officer in the command, ASP Maureen Chinaka in a press statement said the suspects had opened fire on some officers on patrol which they repelled causing the death of two suspected assailants, and three civilians.
One of the suspects however allegedly escaped with a gun shot injury.
The statement further revealed that investigations have commenced into the attack while a search for the fleeing suspect has also been launched.
The full statement reads thus:
ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE
21ST JULY, 2024
ATTACK ON POLICE PERSONNEL: DEATH OF TWO ASSAILANTS, CP ASSURES CITIZENS OF POLICE COMMITMENT TO ENSURING THEIR SAFETY, MAINTENANCE OF LAW AND ORDER
Today, July 21, 2024, at about 1128hrs, 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-colored 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 public are assured to go about their lawful activities without fear, as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of life and property.
Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station.
Signed:
ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, LLB, ANIPR
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Abia State Command.