Police React To Gunmen Attack On Abia Commission

Police in Abia State have confirmed the killing of two of its personnel on Tuesday  who were in the convoy of Governor Alex Otti’s commissioner for trade, commerce and investment, Chimezie Ukaegbu.

According to the command’s spokesperson Maureen Chinaka, an inspector and a constable were killed by gunmen who attacked the convoy.

The incident occurred at the SAMECK Junction, bordering Ariaria International Market and also links Faulks Road and the Old Express Road.

A source, who pleaded anonymity, told newsmen that some other persons sustained bullet wounds from the attack, ensuing panic which forced people to hide inside their shops and houses until late hours of Tuesday.

She also said that the police returned early Wednesday morning to arrest some persons and restore order.

Chinaka said the distressing incident occurred at approximately 4 pm on Tuesday, July 7, adding that a group of hoodlums launched an attack on the convoy during the commissioner’s familiarisation tour to markets in Aba metropolis.

“The convoy was en route to Ekeoha Shopping Plaza when the armed assailants opened fire. Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two Police personnel lost their lives in the line of duty.

“A police constable who was part of the security convoy was fatally shot.

“Additionally, a police inspector who was not initially part of the convoy but was on a separate assignment with a police Hilux tragically lost his life.

“Furthermore, the hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment,” she said.