Gunmen attack Abia Police checkpoint, kill Inspector, injure others

Gunmen, in the early hours of Monday, September 7, 2020, attacked a police checkpoint at Eka, Okagwe Ohafia in Abia State, reportedly killing an inspector and seriously injuring others.

According to a native of Okagwe Ohafia, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, the whole community was asleep as a result of torrential rain that night, hunters who could have apprehended the perpetrators were not out.

He said: “It happened very early on Monday morning. People woke up and went to their farms; they beheld the gory sight where blood was everywhere at Eka of the village.

“We were told that the gunmen killed an inspector, cut another one’s hand and injured a lot of officers on duty. Blood was everywhere.

“It rained that night so hunters did not go out; perhaps they could have saved the policemen,” said the commercial cyclist in the area.

Also speaking with our correspondent, Chief Ndukwe Nkuma, the former president of Umuakparawa, the men’s union of the community, said the whole community were still wondering why the outskirt of the village would be attacked.

“It is very unfortunate that some people will attack the policemen. We hope that they would bring those involved to book. This is very bad.”

Meanwhile, the Abia State Government, through Chief John Okiyi Kalu, the Commissioner for Information, has reacted to the dastardly act. The state government said it has commenced investigation into the unwarranted attack.

“Abia State Government, in conjunction with security agencies in the state, is currently investigating a security breach at Ohafia Local Government Area which led to the death of one police officer and left four others injured.

“Preliminary information suggests that a gang of about twelve yet to be identified hoodlums suddenly attacked five police officers who were taking cover in a pin down point at a bus stop around Okagwe Junction, Ohafia, during a heavy downpour in the early hours of Monday, September 7, 2020, killing one Inspector while critically injuring the other four who are now receiving treatment at a medical facility in the state

“The government wishes to advice all medical facilities in the state to report any patient who presents with gunshot injuries to the nearest police station or the relevant Transition Council Chairman even while treating such a patient.

“Law abiding citizens are advised to go about their normal duties without fear or apprehension as the government has taken measures to protect them as well as apprehend the hoodlums as quickly as possible.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the late gallant officer who lost his life in the course of service to fatherland. In the same vein, we pray for the quick and total recovery of the injured,” read a press statement from the commissioner. (Independent)