A Police Inspector attached to the Unwana Division, Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi State and a suspect were killed during a foiled attack on the division by hoodlums.
Hoodlums had early hours of October 24, stormed the police division to attack and loot the station, but their attempt was repelled by the police.
Police spokesperson in the State, DSP Loveth Odah, in a statement confirmed the incident, noting that the commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State, CP Aliyu Garba, had ordered a manhunt on the feeling suspects.
The statement reads: “At 0300hrs of today, 24th October 2021 yet to be identified gunmen suspected to be members of proscribed IPOB/ESN numbering about thirty-five (35) attacked Unwana Divisional Headquarters in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shooting sporadically at the policemen on duty, who immediately repelled the attackers.
“In the gun battle that ensued one (1) of the hoodlums was killed and two AK47 rifles/other incriminating items were recovered while others escaped with bullet wound injuries. Regrettably, one Police Inspector attached to the Division was fatally wounded. The Police Facility/Operational vehicles are intact.
“Investigation revealed that the deceased suspect had been on the police wanted list for various attacks on police stations and one of the recovered AK-47 rifles has been identified to be the rifle stolen from Ohaukwu Police Division early this month.
“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police Ebonyi State Command, CP Aliyu Garba, has embarked on, and on the spot assessment of the Division and has also ordered a manhunt on the fleeing hoodlums.
“The CP is appealing to law-abiding citizens of the State to promptly volunteer useful information to unravel the true identity of the fleeing gang members”.