At least, 4 people, were reportedly shot and killed when some unknown gunmen attacked a police patrol vehicle in Aba, Abia state, on Sunday.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Maureen Chinaka, the gunmen operated out of a Toyota Sienna vehicle and attacked the patrol team on sighting their vehicle.
ASP Chinaka said the police team repelled the attack. In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, three civilians identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah and Eniobong God’sgift Clement, were killed by stray bullets. Two of the attackers were also reportedly killed by the policemen and eyewitnesses say a few more sustained various degrees of injuries.
The PPRO disclosed that the corpses have been deposited at a morgue in the city.
She said; “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 11.28hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba, Abia State Command, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed men assailants in an ash-colored Sienna vehicle. The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries. Unfortunately, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, three civilians who were later identified as Chika Godliveth ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State were killed by bullets from the assailants.
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
