From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State command of the Nigerian police has confirmed the death of a suspected gunman following Monday’s attack in Aba by hoodlums.
Gunmen believed to be enforcers of the Monday sit at home who operated in a Sienna and Land Cruiser SUVs struck in the city wounding people and destroying properties including vehicles.
The attack and the subsequent repel by security personnel, threw residents of the commercial city into panic as they scampered for safety.
A statement by Abia command’s police public relations officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka said at about 0930hrs, a joint convoy patrol team comprising police operatives, Nigerian Army personnel, and members of Operation Crush, while on patrol in Aba, sighted vehicles suspected to be carrying armed men, moving towards Port Harcourt Expressway.
The statement said the patrol team pursued and intercepted them around Umuode village which led to an exchange of gunfire.
The hoodlums were said to have been overpowered, and they abandoned their vehicles and flee, with gunshot injuries.
“A Sienna vehicle with bloodstains was recovered at the location. Subsequently, an abandoned Toyota Highlander SUV with the corpse of an unidentified suspect was recovered at Adanegbuazu along Mbamaonyeukwu Hotel Road in Umuode, Aba.
“The corpse has been deposited at a mortuary, and investigation is ongoing”, the statement added.
It said efforts were on to apprehend the fleeing suspects.