On Sunday, suspected gunmen attacked a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol team, killing a police inspector and two civilians in Aba, the capital of Abia State.
The officers, part of the RRS at the Abia State headquarters in Aba North, were patrolling near Mosque Road in Aba South when the assailants launched their attack.
Eyewitnesses report that the gunmen caught the officers by surprise, initiating an open shootout that resulted in the deaths of two police officers.
Additionally, three civilians returning from Sunday service were caught in the crossfire and also lost their lives.
Abia State Police Commissioner, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chioma Chinaka. The statement identified the deceased officer as Inspector Shehu Oyibo.
The statement reads: “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 11:28 AM, 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 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.
“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, and three civilians, identified as Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, 32, from Item in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, 18, from Akwa Ibom State, were killed by bullets from the assailants.
“The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, and an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gunmen.
“The public is assured to go about their lawful activities without fear, as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of life and property.
Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.
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