18 IPOB members arrested for killing 2 police officers in Imo

From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

The Imo State Police Commissioner, Aboki Danjuma, said his command has arrested 18 members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) operatives as suspects over the killing of two police officers at Ahiara, Ahiazu Mbaise on Monday.

In a statement by Imo State Police Publlic Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, shortly after the incident, Danjuma  disclosed that special forces of the command’s tactical team has been deployed to apprehend other fleeing suspects.

Explaining what really tanspaired, Okoye said: “The Policemen affected by this senseless act of violence were fueling their operational vehicle at the said Filling Station when hoodlums suspected to be members of the Proscribed IPOB/ ESN, dressed in military camouflage and black/red regalia, swooped on them with three vehicles and motorcycles and started firing sporadically.

“The Police Operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, the DPO and an Inspector of Police paid the supreme price in the gun duel that ensued while two Police officers survived the attack.

“Police Operatives led by CP Aboki Danjuma on a confidence-building patrol in Ahaizu Mbaise responded immediately and gave the hoodlums a hot chase which forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot injuries abandoning some of their operational motorcycles. The Operatives were swiftly reinforced by the Military led by the Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze. Intense combing of the area is ongoing.”