Six hoodlums suspected of belonging to the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have been reportedly killed in Imo State after attempting to terrorize the palace of the state’s Chairman Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness Eze Dr E. C Okeke.
CSP Michael Abattam, the police spokesman of the state, said in a statement on Monday that hoodlums in three Hilux vehicles were sighted shooting sporadically and approaching rapidly towards the palace.
Immediately after being notified of the development, the Command’s Tactical Team, together with the troops, instantly mobilized and hurried to the King’s palace.
When the hoodlums saw the combined team, they engaged the security personnel in a gunfight and threw petrol bombs at them.
The “gallant team responded by positioning themselves professionally,” according to CSP Abattam.
“Through the exchange of gunfire that proceeded, the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the combined team’s superior firepower, and six of the hoodlums were neutralized while others fled with varying degrees of bullet injuries.”
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According to him, the combined team did not relax after overpowering the hoodlums instead they gave them a hot chase which led to the recovery of one pump action gun, three blood stained cutlasses, and three Hilux vehicles which were allegedly stolen from innocent victims.
Relative peace has been restored in the neighborhood, according to the police spokesman, and the bodies of the neutralized hoodlums have been taken and deposited in the mortuary.
He went on to say that no one was killed on the combined team’s side, but one of the police vehicles was burned owing to the petrol bomb’s fire.
Meanwhile, police claim they are working hard to apprehend the remaining hoodlums, and that security in Orlu and its environs has been tightened up to prevent any further attacks.
While praising the combined team for their bravery, Imo Command Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde, advised them not to give up until all criminal elements and their associates face the full force of the law.
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CP Barde praised Imolites for their unwavering support and asked them to constantly provide credible and timely information to the police and other security services.
He asked them to contact the nearest police station or call the Police Emergency Control Room at 080347773600 or 08098880197 if they see someone with bullet wounds.
The Commissioner of Police has urged the law-abiding citizens of Imo State to go about their legitimate businesses without fear of being molested, noting that all security agencies are working together to ensure the safety of lives and property in the state.
Sourece: Channels TV
