Four policemen, two civilians killed as gunmen attack checkpoint in Ebonyi
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
An attack on police checkpoint at Nwofe road Abakaliki early hours of Friday by gunmen left four Policemen, two civilians dead.
Nwofe road is an outskirt of the Ebonyi State capital city.
Recall that not long ago, gunmen attacked the same checkpoint and killed two policemen.
A statement by the Acting State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, on Friday, linked the attack to IPOB/ESN members.
Part of the statement reads:”Today 08/03/2024 at about 05:00am,operatives of the Command who were posted to duty at hilltop stop and search/pin-down point along Nwofe Road, at the outskirts of Abakaliki, were attacked by armed hoodlums suspected to be IPOB/ESN members, who shot sporadically at the operatives.
“The operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the ensuing gun battle, the hoodlums scampered and abandoned a pump action rifle which was recovered. However, four (4) of the operatives paid the supreme price, while two (2) civilians were caught in the crossfire and killed.
“The Commissioner Of Police Ebonyi state police Command, CP Augustina Ogbodo, psc, swiftly dispatched tactical teams of the command to the scene, who are on the trail of the fleeing hoodlums.
“She is using this medium to call on the good citizens of the State to provide the command with valuable information that could help apprehend the fleeing hoodlums and assured that the command remains steadfastly dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties in the state.”
Apparently reacting to the attack, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has banned unauthorized use of tinted glasses and siren in all parts of the State.
A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Monday Uzor, on Friday, said it has also become a grievous offence for anybody in any part of the state to use vehicles without plate numbers and licences.
The statement reads:”Based on his determination to secure the lives and property of Residents, the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has issued the following directives:
“Nobody no matter how highly placed is authorized to use tinted glasses and siren in any part of the State.
“It has also become a grievous offence for anybody in any part of the state to use vehicles without plate numbers and licences.
“Accordingly, Law Enforcement Agencies have been directed to apprehend offenders and impound their vehicles. Such offender(s) must be properly interrogated and such vehicles can only be released with clearance from the Office of the Governor.
“Residents of the State and the general public are advised to adhere strictly to these directives.”