At least five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State were reportedly killed in a shootout with the state police command.
The incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Wednesday when the group, travelling in a blue Sienna bus, attacked Ishieke Police Station, opening fire on the building. The police responded, resulting in a gun battle that lasted about 30 minutes. During the fight, police vehicles were reportedly set on fire.
A video showing the bodies of the attackers was shared on social media that night. Police and soldiers from the state police command headquarters in Abakiliki quickly responded to a distress call from Ishieke Police Station. A reliable source told our correspondent that the heavy gunfire caused residents to flee for their safety.
“The gunmen arrived at Ishieke Police Station and started shooting. The police fought back, and it went on for about 30 minutes before other security forces arrived for reinforcement. More security operatives, including soldiers, came in large numbers to apprehend the attackers. The attackers tried to escape, shooting randomly into the air as they moved towards Odomoke Ishieke market along Nwiboko Obodo road. They were finally stopped by an advance team,” the source explained.
As of the time of this report, the police have not issued an official statement about the attack. It was also reported that the Sienna bus used by the gunmen and the corpses were taken to the state police headquarters.
