By Princess Kelechi
Gunmen suspected to be members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) attacked the Agwa Police Division in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo state with explosive devises on Friday evening killing four police officers.
The Commissioner of Police in Imo, Mohammed Barde confirmed this in a
statement issued by the command’s spokesperson CSP Michael Abattam on Saturday.The gunmen also freed some detainees in the station, he noted.
The CP however said officers at the station and other tactical units from state command repelled the attack.
“On 05/8/2022 at about 2300 hours, hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) attacked Agwa Police Station in their numbers.
“The hoodlums who came in two vehicles and a tipper, shooting sporadically, used a tipper vehicle in forcing the gate open to gain entrance into the station, throwing Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petrol bombs.
“The police operatives of the division joined by the command’s tactical teams gave the hoodlums a stiff resistance, engaging them in a gun duel.
“The hoodlums, who were fatally hit with a lot of casualty on their side, retreated, escaping in their vehicles,” he said.
The CP said fire from the explosives affected a parked private vehicle in the premises of the station while some motorcycles were also affected, adding that the main building was not affected.
“In the attack, two suspects in custody escaped, four police officers gallantly paid the supreme price, while one rifle is yet to be recovered,” he added.