A fierce gunfight broke out in Owerri on Wednesday, July 31, as armed thugs suspected to be members of a terrorist organisation attacked the area. Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) members clashed with security operatives.
Eyewitnesses said the bandits attempted to break into the Owerri prison but were repelled by the military and armed police.
The shootings occurred at various locations, including Owerri/Okigwe Road, IMSU Junction, Aba Road, Emmanuel College and Douglas Road.
Residents were forced to flee for safety and businesses were forced to close. The incident comes after a policeman and two others were killed in separate attacks in Owerri on Tuesday.
Police spokesman Henry Okoye blamed IPOB for the attacks and said security agencies were working to nab the culprits.
He said the Police Commissioner has led efforts to restore normalcy and vowed to deal decisively with those responsible for the senseless attacks.
This fresh violence comes after four policemen and a POS vendor were killed on Monday. The police have assured that they have taken control of the situation and will bring the culprits to justice.
Okoye said: “They are pure cowards, the criminals suspected to be members of the suspected IPOB/ESN have adopted guerilla-like tactics where they come out of their hideouts, launch a surprise attack and then hide. However, concerted efforts are being made by security agencies to apprehend them.
“The Commissioner of Police has personally dispatched troops to the scene. The command is keeping a close watch on the situation. We will catch the thugs responsible for the senseless attacks dead or alive
“We will deal with the hoodlums responsible for attacking and killing security operatives and the general public in such a manner that they will never think of spreading insecurity in the state.”
Source link
