The Nigerian Police Force, Abia State Command, has confirmed the deaths of two of its officers, who were killed on Tuesday evening in Aba, the commercial city of the state, by unknown gunmen.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, identified the victims of the attack as an Inspector and a Constable.
She said the incident happened when the hoodlums attacked the convoy of the Abia Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Investment, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu, on Tuesday evening.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred at the popular SAMECK Junction, bordering Ariaria International Market, which also links Faulks Road and the Old Express Road.
A source who pleaded anonymity told NAN that some other people sustained bullet wounds from the ensuing panic, which forced people to hide inside their shops and houses until the late hours of Tuesday night.
She also said that the Police returned early Wednesday morning to arrest some people while shooting into the air.
She said the Police have stationed over seven Hilux vans around A-Line in Ariaria while their men wait in the parked vehicles to ensure the restoration of law and order.
The PPRO, Chinaka, said the distressing incident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, saying that a group of hoodlums launched an attack on the convoy of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry during the commissioner’s familiarization tour to markets in Aba metropolis.
“The convoy was en route to Ekeoha Shopping Plaza when the armed assailants opened fire. Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two Police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.
“A police constable who was part of the security convoy was fatally shot.
“Additionally, a police inspector who was not initially part of the convoy but was on a separate assignment with a police Hilux tragically lost his life.
“Furthermore, the hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment”.
Chinaka said the Abia Police Commissioner, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, had assured Abia people and residents that every effort would be exerted with discreet investigations to ensure that justice was served.
The Police condemned the cowardly act of violence and swore to the steadfast pursuit of their resolve to bring the perpetrators of the act to justice.
He urged the public to remain calm and vigilant and to cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
“Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.
“We emphasize our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and upholding the triumph of good over evil.
“Together, as a united community, we shall prevail against such senseless acts of violence,” Chinaka said.
