Officer injured as police repel ‘IPOB attack’ on Imo station

The Imo police command says it repelled an attack by members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Isiala Mbano police station on Thursday.

In a statement, Mike Abattam, Imo police spokesperson, said the suspected IPOP/ESN members came to attack the police station in five vehicles and three motorcycles.

He said they were armed with petrol bombs which they threw on the roof of the station that had already been damaged during the #EndSARS protest, and started shooting indiscriminately.

“The gallant police operatives attached to Isiala Mbano station returned fire, engaging them in a gun duel. They were able to repel the bandits and in the process, they zoomed off in their vehicles and motorcycles,” Abbatam said.

The police spokesperson said no ammunition was lost during the attack and that the fire razing the building was eventually extinguished “after causing more damages to the already attacked building”.

He added that one of its officers, who sustained gunshot injury, was taken to a nearby hospital where he is receiving medical attention.

Abbatam said the command’s tactical teams have been dispatched to the area in pursuit of the suspects and to beef up security in the area.

He said Rabiu Hussani, Imo commissioner of police, commended the officers for their “gallantry” and asked them to sustain the tempo.

Hussani reportedly thanked residents for their “undaunting support” and enjoined them to work in synergy with the police and other security agencies to combat crime and also protect their police station.

He also asked them to assist the force with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.