Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Unknown gunmen, Sunday night, killed a Police escort attached to the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South federal constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe.
A Hilux Toyota van conveying the late cop and his colleague was ambushed while they were returning to Umuahia.
The lawmaker was not with them when the incident occurred at Ubakala, near the Umuahia South council headquarters.
A statement by the Police on Monday evening, gave the name of the deceased personnel as Inspector Bala Mohammed.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Maureen Chinaka, read: “At about 20:30hrs, two police officers, from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 4, Makurdi Inspector Dunna Jatau and Inspector Bala Mohammed assigned to Honorable Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency, were ambushed by armed assailants while on official duty in Umuahia.
“The officers were in a Police Toyota Hilux vehicle after accompanying and dropping off the Honorable in Umuahia. On their way, near Umuahia South Local Government Area Secretariat in Ubakala, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black attire, operating in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows. The assailants blocked the path of the police vehicle and opened fire. Tragically, Insp. Bala Mohammed sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Insp Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack.
“The area was immediately combed by officers of the command as comprehensive search operation was launched to locate the attackers. Tactical teams have been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“The Abia State Police Command is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. We urge the public to remain calm, stay security conscious, go about their activities and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station.”
