Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Governor Alex Otti, has visited Ariaria International Market, Aba, following the attack on his Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu.
Two police personnel were killed in the attack by unidentified gunmen at SAMEK Junction, Faulks Road, near the Ariaria International Market.
There has been heavy presence of security operatives around the market since after the incident, thus leading to friction between the operatives and traders.
Consequently, shops in the market have remained locked up.
Meanwhile, Gov. Otti, during the visit, called for cessation of hostilities and reprisals against the traders.
He strongly condemned the senseless attack, and commiserated with the Nigeria Police over the killing of its personnel.
Otti who also commiserated with the families of the deceased policemen called on the traders to cooperate with the security agencies in their search for the culprits.
He urged the traders to return to their shops while efforts were being intensified to pick up the culprits.
Earlier in a statement, the Police Public relations officer (PPRO) in the state, ASP Maureen Chinaka, vowed to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous attack.
The statement said that the Commissioner was on a familiarisation tour of markets in Aba when his convoy came under attack.
It added that the Commissioner’s convoy was said to be en route to Ekoha Shopping Plaza “when the armed assailants opened fire.”
“Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty,” the PPRO said.
Police identified the victims as “a police constable who was part of the security convoy; and a Police Inspector, who was not initially part of the convoy but happened to be on a separate assignment with a police Hilux.”
According to the statement, the Commissioner and other people on his entourage, including some members of Government House Press corps escaped the scene unhurt.
A vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Investment was also set on fire during the attack.
The Commissioner of Police assures the public that every possible effort will be exerted as discreet investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.
“We condemn this cowardly act of violence and remain steadfast in our resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police spokesperson said.
The Police urged members of the public “to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies” in their efforts to nab the hoodlums behind the fatal attack and bring them to book.
“Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.”
Police restated their commitment to the protection of lives and property of residents.
