Police, Soldiers Gun Down 6 IPOB/ESN Members In Imo State

Some suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have been killed by security operatives in Imo State.

The IPOB/ESN members were killed on Monday during an attempted attack on the palace of a traditional ruler, His Royal Highness Eze Dr E. C Okeke at Orlu Local Government Area.

The palace of Okeke who is the chairman of the Imo Council of Traditional Rulers was a planned target of attack on Monday but the attackers met stiff resistance from security operatives who were mobilized to the scene.

Naija News understands the gunme at about 8 am on Monday morning started shooting sporadically as they approached the palace.

The spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Mike Abattam who confirmed the incident however pointed out that a combined team of Police and Military operatives was quickly drafted in before the attackers could inflict any heavy damage.

On sighting the security operatives, the gunmen opened fire which was reciprocated by the security operatives. It was during the ensuing gun battle that six of the IPOB/ESN members were killed and many others injured.

“On their way, the hoodlums on sighting the combined team engaged them in a gun duel, throwing petrol bombs. The gallant team responded, positioning themselves professionally,” Abattam narrated.

He added that “In the exchange of gun fire that ensued, the hoodlums were overwhelmed due to the superior fire-power of the combined team and in the process, six of the hoodlums were neutralized while others escaped with various degrees of gunshot injuries.”

One pump action gun, three blood-stained cutlasses and three Hilux Vehicles were recovered from the gunmen after the clash.

The Police spokesperson added that the corpses of the neutralized bandits have been deposited in the mortuary and peace has returned to the area.