Six Suspected IPOB Members Arrested, Arms Recovered In Ebonyi

Six suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been arrested by the Ebonyi State Police Command.

Naija News reports that this was made known in a statement on Tuesday by the Police spokesperson in the state, DSP Loveth Odah.

According to Odah, the police recovered five locally made pistols with 12 live ammunition from the IPOB members.

She said the suspects were arrested during operations on Monday to disperse hoodlums enforcing the sit-at-home order by IPOB.

Odah explained that following a distress call that some hoodlums had barricaded Ogbaga road, attacking and setting vehicles ablaze, operatives were swiftly deployed to the scene.

“The hoodlums on sighting the police opened fire.

“In the exchange of gun battle that ensued two members of the gang were fatally wounded while others escaped with bullet wounds into the nearby bush,” said the statement.

Odah said one locally-made shotgun, one locally-made revolver pistol with five live cartridges, one jack knife, one axe and some charms were recovered from them.

“A Toyota Picnic was set ablaze by the gang, including five motorcycles of different brands.

“Innocent citizens were attacked because they refused to obey the sit-at-home directive of the IPOB.

“The traumatised victims are currently responding to treatment at Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital,” she said.

Odah explained that two of the IPOB suspects on surveillance mission were intercepted in front of the police headquarters in the state.

“One locally-made double barrel short gun with four cartridges were recovered from them,” Odah said.