The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that six persons, including a police inspector, Shehu Oyibo, two assailants and three civilians, died in Aba on Sunday during an attack on a patrol team.
The incident, according to the police, happened at about 11:28 am when police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, Aba, were attacked by armed assailants while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque Junction in Aba.
The press statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said that the armed assailants were operating in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle when they opened fire on the police personnel.
According to the statement: “Police operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“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, and three civilians who were later identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, 32, from Item, in Bende LGA of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, 18, a female from Akwa Ibom State, were killed by bullets from the assailants.”
The Abia State Police Command said that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while an investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.
While assuring the public 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, the Abia State Police Command urged residents to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station.
