Four killed as gunmen attack police station in Imo — second in 24 hours

The Izombe police station in Oguta LGA of Imo state has been burnt down by suspected hoodlums.

The attack comes less than 24 hours after gunmen razed a police station, magistrate and high courts, and vandalised a community health center in Atta, Njaba LGA of the state.

Bala Elkana, the state police spokesman, confirmed the latest incident.

Elkana said the security forces were able to repel the gunmen who attacked the station on Saturday night.

He said four of the hoodlums were killed during the attack while the others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“On 29th May, 2021, between 1900 hours and 2200 hours, some hoodlums in their number launched an offensive on Izombe Police Station but were repelled by the gallant policemen on duty. Four hoodlums were neutralised during the attack while others escaped with bullet wounds,” Elkana said

“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Abutu Yaro, commended the men for their abiding faith in defence of the public space and urged them to be resilient in this fight until the enemies of the people are totally defeated.

“Meanwhile, a mop-up operation is ongoing with a view of arresting other fleeing members of the gang.”

A police station was also attacked on Tuesday in Orji, Owerri north LGA by gunmen.

The attacks on police formations in different parts of the south-east have continued to cause tension and fear among residents.

Some businesses and major markets could not open on Saturday in Owerri, the state capital and its environs as a result of the sit-at-home order declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra.

Vehicular movement was also limited, despite the police assurance of the safety of lives and property in the state.