From Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba
Police operatives came under attack from armed criminals in Aba on Sunday, 21 July 2024. The criminals opened fire on the officers, who returned fire, repelling the attack.
The incident occurred along Ngwa Road by Mosque Street when the criminals, travelling in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle, ambushed a patrol team from the state’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS). In the ensuing exchange of fire, two of the assailants were killed, and others escaped with gunshot wounds.
Tragically, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, was killed in the line of duty. Three civilians – Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah (32 years old, from Item in the Bende Local Government Area of Abia State), and Eniobong Godsgift Clement (an 18-year-old girl from Akwa Ibom State) – were also fatally wounded by the assailants’ gunfire.
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Abia State Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident in a statement:
“Today, 21 July 2024, at about 11:28hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba, Abia State Command, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men assailants in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle. The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“However, 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 ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State were killed by bullets from the assailants.”
The bodies of the deceased have been transferred to the mortuary. An investigation is underway to apprehend the remaining criminals.
The police have assured the public of their safety, deploying officers to strategic locations to ensure the protection of life and property. They urged residents to report any suspicious activity or individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
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