The Imo State Police Command on Saturday blamed members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) for the attack on its station at Agwa in Oguta Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State in which four Police officers were killed.
Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Michael Abattam, said in a statement that “on 05/8/2022 at about 2300 hours , hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) attacked Agwa Police Station in their numbers.
“The hoodlums who came in two vehicles and a tipper, shooting sporadically, used a tipper vehicle in forcing the gate open to gain entrance into the station, throwing Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petrol bombs.
“The police operatives of the division joined by the Command’s Tactical Teams gave the hoodlums a stiff resistance, engaging them in a gun duel. The hoodlums who were fatally hit with a lot of casualty on their side, retreated, escaping in their vehicles.
“The fire which affected a parked private car and some motorcycles was later put off, preventing it from causing more damages. Fortunately, the building was not affected .
“In the attack, two suspects in custody escaped, four police officers gallantly paid the supreme price, while one rifle is yet to be recovered. Meanwhile, the area have been fortified with enough police operatives .
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, who went to the scene on confidence building patrol and on the spot accessement of the incident, visited the Eze of the Community, HRH Eze (Dr) I. O Asor, in his Palace where he assured him and members his community of the Command’s commitment in ensuring that peace is restored and the Command will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“He then enjoined them to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within their communities to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency control room numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197,” the statement added.