Gunfire from rampaging unknown gunmen has claimed the life of a police inspector, identified as Shehu Oyibo, and three civilians, who were killed when the gunmen attacked a police patrol team along Mosque Street by Ngwa Road in Aba, Abia State.
The attack, which occurred three weeks after two policemen were killed at Opobo Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba, involved gunmen operating in a Toyota Sienna bus.
Upon sighting the police team, the assailants opened fire, shooting indiscriminately at the police officers.
The police team managed to repel the attack, but in the ensuing gunfire, civilians Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong God’sgift Clement were struck by stray bullets and killed.
ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Command, confirmed that two gunmen were also killed in the shootout, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
Eyewitnesses reported that additional injuries and fatalities may have occurred.
Chinaka stated, “Today, July 21, 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-colored 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 neutralized, 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.
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
The PPRO assured the public that officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure safety and urged residents to report any suspicious activity or individuals with bullet injuries to the police.
