Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Police in Ebonyi State have killed three gunmen who attacked residents in Ivo Local Government Area of the State.
Police spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya, stated this in a statement on Wednesday.
She said the incident happened on Tuesday in Ogwor community in Ivo Council area and Ọssọ in Afikpo South Local Government Area of the state.
According to her, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ivo Divisional Headquarters received a distress call that the gunmen were firing sporadically and have set ablaze two vehicles and a filling station.
She said that on receipt of the information the Divisional Police Officer swung into action and left for the scene.
“While at the scene an information revealed that unknown gunmen were sighted sitting down in a Public Place at Ogwor Community in Ishiagu.
“On their way, the men were ambushed and attacked, and an Assistant Superintendent of Police was shot, but the patrol team engaged the hoodlums with a superior fire power. During the gun duel, one of the hoodlums was neutralised and others fled with bullet wounds,” Mrs Onome said.
The spokesperson said the DPO immediately called the Headquarters for re-enforcement but the Commissioner of Police, CP Sunday Olaleye intercepted the distress call.
She said the CP immediately directed tactical teams to storm the place with the description of the vehicle and the route through which the hoodlums were escaping.
However, on sighting the Police operatives, the hoodlums engaged them in a gun duel at Osso, junction, where two of the hoodlums were equally neutralised and two arrested.
The spokesperson said the following exhibits were recovered at the scene of crime: 2 AK-47 Rifles, 1 locally made pistol, some charms and a red Toyota Corolla car,1 Fireman Generator and One Haier Thermocool Fridge.
Others are: a Walkie talkie radio Set, 30 “AK-47′ Live ammunition, 20 expended AK-47 ammunition, 1 AK-47 Magazine, 1 Itel phone, 1Android phone, 1 Police Trousers, 1 Police Beret, 1 Police face cap and some other incriminating items.
“The Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Police Command, therefore warned unknown gunmen drop their arms or relocate from the State if they wish to remain alive.
“He enjoins the good People of Ebonyi State to go about their lawful Business without fear or intimation as the Police is on top gear in discharging its statutory responsibilities/ duties of protecting lives and properties,” she said.
