Gunmen attack Abia police station, injure two officers

The Nkporo Divisional Police Headquarters in the Ohafia local government area of Abia State has been attacked by gunmen who are yet to be identified.

The suspects, who were said to have stormed the police division in three Toyota Sienna buses, broke into the divisional armoury, carting away one AK-47 riffle with 30 rounds of live ammunition.

It was gathered that they made away with two riot gunners and yet-to-be ascertained quantity of ammunition.

Two policemen on duty, who were said to have sustained varying degrees of injuries, have been admitted in a hospital where they are receiving medical attention.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, has confirmed the incident.

He said the hoodlums shot sporadically, dislodging the policemen on duty to gain access to the station.

He said, “The criminals broke into the station’s armoury and carted away one (1) AK 47 rifle loaded with thirty (30) rounds of live ammunition, two (2) riot gunners and yet-to-be ascertained quantity of ammunition.

“They also made away with sets of service uniforms kept in the armoury and offices belonging to the Armourer and other policemen putting up in the station.

“Three Police Constables among those on duty were inflicted with varying degrees of injury.”

The PPRO, however, said a collaborative effort of the police and the military made the assailants to abandon one Toyota Sienna bus and some of the items they took.

“However, prompt collaborative effort of the police and military resulted in the abandon and recovery of one Toyota Sienna bus together with some service uniforms, shoes and personal effects taken away from the policemen.

“Two of the injured policemen are admitted in the hospital while one was treated and discharged,” he said.

He added that investigation had commenced with a view to arresting the assailants and recovering the stolen items.

The police spokesperson further said, “The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, during a visit to the scene, accompanied by the DC Operations, DCP E.S Bretet, and later joined by the Ohafia LGA Chairman, Chief James Ndukwe, remarked that the porosity of the station made it possible for the hoodlums to invade the premises.

“CP Bala called on the state/local governments and other critical stakeholders to embrace the principles of Community Safety Partnership to erect fences that will link up with the existing one around the station.

“Furthermore, the CP requests from the general public useful information that would help in tracking down the hoodlums and recovery of the firearms, please.”

(Punch)