Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Fury and wide condemnation have trailed Sunday’s attack on a police patrol team in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State, resulting to the killing of a police personnel and two civilians by unidentified gunmen.
The gunmen, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO Maureen Chinaka, were operating in a Sienna vehicle.
Police identified the casualties as “a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo; Chika Godliveth ‘m;’ Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32; and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f,’ 18.
The statement read: “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 neutralised, 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.”
