Three civilians, including a teenage girl, and a police inspector affiliated with the Rapid Response Squad were killed after militants ambushed a police patrol unit in Aba, Abia State.
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, a police patrol team was reportedly ambushed by gunmen operating a Toyota Sienna bus near Mosque street along Ngwa road.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, verified the incident in a statement and stated that the operators repulsed the onslaught, killing two of the gunmen and wounding others.
But in the subsequent gunfight, three bystanders were shot and killed by errant shots from the attackers.
“Today, July 21, 2024, at about 1128hrs, 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 statement read.
“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
“The public are 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.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli