July 22, (THEWILL) – The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the death of an Inspector of Police, Shehu Oyibo and three civilians after an attack by gunmen in Aba, on Sunday.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the incident in a statement, said the police officer, attached to the state’s Rapid Response Squad (RRS), was gunned down during a patrol along Ngwa Road, Mosque Junction, Aba.
She identified the deceased civilians as Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, adding that two of the assailants were neutralised, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet wounds.
The statement reads in part, “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 1128hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad 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, three civilians who were later identified as Chika Godliveth ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende LGA of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State were killed by bullets from the assailants.”
According to her, bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while an investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.
The PPRO advised the public to go about their lawful activities without fear as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of life and property.
“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station,” she added.
