By Our Reporter
A police Inspector named Shehu Oyibo, who was part of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and three civilians were killed when gunmen attacked a police patrol team on Mosque Street by Ngwa Road in Aba, Abia State.
This incident occurred three weeks after gunmen killed two policemen at Opobo Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
The assailants, operating in a Toyota Sienna bus, opened fire on the police team upon sighting them. The police repelled the attack, but in the exchange of gunfire, three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong God’sgift Clement—were killed by stray bullets.
Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, reported that two gunmen were also killed, while others escaped with bullet wounds. The bodies have been deposited at a local morgue.
She stated: “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 11:28 hrs, 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 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, and three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, 32, from Item in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, 18, from Akwa Ibom State—were killed by bullets from the assailants.
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while an investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
The PPRO urged the public to continue 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 encouraged residents to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the police.