Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The driver of the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, has debunked claims that the two policemen killed along the Okigwe-Owerri Road were abandoned to secure the vehicle.
The driver, who identified himself as Nneoma, stated that he, the lawmaker, and another individual were all present at the scene of the tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday in Imo State.
Recounting the ordeal in Abakaliki, Mr. Nneoma explained that they were returning to Ebonyi after attending a burial in Imo State when the attack happened. According to him, the convoy consisted of two vehicles—a BMW SUV driven by the lawmaker and a Nissan Navara truck.
“Approaching the Okigwe junction, the BMW developed a fault, and we parked to inspect the problem,” he said.
While they were checking the vehicle, a young man approached, claiming to be a mechanic and offered to help fix the car. Mr. Ikoro, he noted, was hesitant to allow the stranger to tamper with the vehicle, preferring not to risk further damage.
Meanwhile, the two policemen who had been riding with Nneoma in the truck chose to remain inside the vehicle.
“The lawmaker then asked the supposed mechanic to help find a tow truck, and he agreed. As we began transferring luggage from the BMW to the truck, a young man wearing jean shorts and armed with an AK-47 approached me, asking about the policemen,” Nneoma narrated.
“I told him there were no policemen with me. But he immediately opened the truck door and opened fire on the officers who were seated inside. Everyone scattered for safety.”
He added that soldiers arrived at the scene sometime later, prompting people to come out of hiding.
“It was then we realized the policemen had been killed. They were shot while still inside the vehicle. At no point did we abandon them or flee in another vehicle,” he emphasized.
Mr. Nneoma described the incident as tragic and confirmed that they had already reported to the Ebonyi State Police Headquarters and given their statements.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, Joshua Ukandu, confirmed that the command is aware of the incident. However, he declined further comment, noting that the incident occurred outside the command’s jurisdiction.
