The Nigeria Police Force has said that an Inspector of Police and five other people have been killed in the commercial city of Aba, Abia State.
Superintendent of Police Maureen Chinaka, the spokesperson for the Abia State Police Command said the incident occurred during a fatal attack on the Force’s operational vehicle on Sunday, July 21, 2024.
According to Chinaka, three civilians and an Inspector of Police, Shehu Oyibo, died during a gun duel that ensued between the unidentified gunmen and the patrol team.
She also added that two of the assailants were neutralised by officers of the Force.
Chinaka further identified the deceased civilians killed by bullets from the assailants as Chika Godliveth, male, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, male (32) from Item, Abia, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, female, (18), from Akwa Ibom.
In addition, the Abia Command’s Police spokesperson said that some other members of the killer gang escaped the scene of the incident with various degrees of bullet wounds. The bodies of the deceased have also been deposited at the mortuary.
Her words, “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 1128hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Aba, while on patrol along Ngwa Road/Mosque Junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men in an ash-colour Sienna vehicle.
“The armed men opened fire on the police personnel and they repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome,” Chinaka said.
Resident urged to remain calm
Urging residents to remain calm, Chinaka said that an investigation into the incident had commenced toward arresting the fleeing hoodlums.
She also assured the public of their safety, urging them to go about their lawful activities without fear.
“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station,” Chinaka added.
