Police officers killed as gunmen hit another station in Imo

At least two police officers paid the supreme price when gunmen stormed Izombe police divisional headquarters in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State yesterday morning.

Three of the gunmen were reportedly killed in the attack, which is the latest on police formations in the state.

The police public relations officer in the state, Michael Abattam, who confirmed the attack, said the plan of the gunmen was to bomb the station, but they were repelled.

Abattam said, “On August 13, about 02:45 hours, armed bandits suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/the Eastern Security Network (ESN) terror group, came in their numbers to attack Izombe police station, but they could not gain access to the station due to the swift response of the ever alert Imo command’s tactical teams and personnel of Operation Restore Peace who intercepted and repelled them.

“The bandits, who on sighting the police, engaged them in a gun duel, were subdued due to the superior

firepower of the police. They fled into the bush, and in the process, three of the bandits were neutralisated and their arms, one pump action gun with two rounds of live cartridges and one locally made double barrel pistol with two expended cartridges were recovered from them.

“Others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds. Unfortunately, the command lost two of its gallant officers in the attack.

“Meanwhile, the tactical teams are presently in pursuit of the bandits and combing the bushes for the arrest of the fleeing ones and possible recovery of their arms.

“The command is using this medium to call on the good people of Imo State, especially the Izombe community, to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing bandits and to report to the nearest police station any person seen with bullet wounds.

“Also, hospitals are advised to ensure that they report any person who comes to them for treatment of bullet wounds.”

Imo has been badly affected since suspected IPOB militants launched a violent campaign against security personnel and government establishments.