Insecurity: Gunmen kill police officer, two vigilantes in Imo

Yet-to-be-identified gunmen on Tuesday attacked two Imo communities, killing a police constable and two vigilante members.

The incident took place at Isiala Mbano LGA headquarters and Obowo Police station as gunmen, according to an eye witness, were seen shooting sporadically, destroying some vehicles and structures at both LGA headquarters and the police station.

Confirming the attack Police Public Relations Officer ASP Henry Okoye, in a release made available to journalists, informed that in responding to the incidents, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, Aboki Danjuma, in coordination with leaders of various security agencies, has initiated a decisive response to the recent attacks, which he stated were allegedly perpetrated by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group on Isiala Mbano Local Government Headquarters and Obowo Police Station.

ASP Okoye hinted that the assault by the hoodlums, who he said came in large numbers, firing sporadically and throwing improvised fuel bombs, led to some damages, including the destruction of vehicles and parts of both the local government headquarters and the police division building took to their heels after encountering an attack from the security personnel.

He further informed that frantic efforts were made during the attack to repel the attackers but unfortunately, two vigilante personnel lost their lives, including a police constable who was gruesomely murdered in his house in Obowo.

“The loss of these brave individuals underscores the grave risks faced by those dedicated to protecting our society.

In the wake of the cowardly attacks, security forces have been massively deployed and equipped with advanced operational resources to crack down on the miscreants responsible and make them face the full wrath of the law,” he stated.

The spokesperson of the command stated that intensified efforts have been made in tracking the assailants as a high-level assessment was conducted on September 4 by the Police Commissioner together with the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brig. Gen. U.A. Lawal; Commander Oguta Naval Base, Commodore MB Salisu; SSA on Security Affairs, General Joseph Ogbonna (retd); Commandant, NSCDC, Mathew Ovey; the acting Sole Administrator of Isiala Mbano, Chika Okirike; and the chairman of the Isiala Mbano Vigilante Group, during which they condemned the senseless attacks and vowed to implement enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents.

Addressing the men and officers of the force and security outfits stationed in the areas, the security chiefs urged vigilante groups and serving personnel to persevere amid security challenges, emphasising the need for continued collaboration to reduce crime to its barest minimum in the state and calling on community leaders to mobilise support in the ongoing fight against violence.

In addition, residents are also encouraged to assist security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals.

Appraising the situation, the police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens as he, on behalf of other security agencies, extended condolences to the families of the fallen security personnel and assured the public that every effort will be made to enhance peace and security in the state.