From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), William Aya, has confirmed the attack on the Okene Area Police Command headquarters, on Sunday.
Aya, a superintendent of Police, in statement issued on Monday, in Lokoja, said that the gunmen launched the attack around 10pm of Sunday, February 6.
He said that the yet to be identified gunmen attacked the police formation with sporadic gunshots and explosives chanting ‘Allahu Akhbar’.
He however, added that personnel on duty repelled the attackers and gunned one of them dead.
“This forced the attackers to flee before the arrival of back up teams from the neighbouring divisions,” the statement added.
Aya said that the state Commissioner of Police (CP) has ordered the immediate deployment of re-enforcement consisting of Counter Terrorism Units, Police Mobile Force, Intelligence team as well as Quick Response Unit along with the mlitary and other security forces, to Ooene and environs.
Aya said that the team has been mandated to track and arrest the gunmen so that they can be made to face justice.
The statement quoted the CP as assuring law abiding citizen of the state of their safety, saying there is no cause for alarm.
The CP further said that the command in synergy with other security agencies in the state will ensure a safe and secure environment for all to go about their lawful activities.
End.