No fewerr than four persons were killed by unknown gunmen in Aba, Abia stayed at the weekend.
A police Inspector identified as Shehu Oyibo attached to the Rapid Response Squad, RRS, and three civilians were killed by the gunmen during an attack on a police patrol team along Mosque street by Ngwa road, Aba.
This is three weeks after gunmen killed two policemen at Opobo junction, Ogbor Hill Aba.
The gunmen according to the report who operated in a Toyota Sienna bus at Mosque Street by Ngwa road, opened fire on sighting the police team in the area.
However, the police team repelled the attack. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, three civilians identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah and Eniobong God’s gift Clement, were killed by stray bullets.
Police public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, stated that two gunmen were also killed in the attack while others escaped with bullet wounds.
However, eyewitnesses said that more people were injured and may have died in the attack.
The PPRO disclosed that the corpses have been deposited at a morgue in the city.
She said; ”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, 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 urged 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.
She also urged residents to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the police.
