Operatives of the Nigerian police in Imo State have foiled attempts by suspected IPOB/ESN members to invade the residence of the chairman, Imo State Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke at Amaifeke in Orlu Local Government Area of the State
In a statement by the police spokesperson in Imo on Wednesday in Owerri, Henry Okoye said the hoodlums came in their numbers, shooting sporadically and fighting their way into the Palace were given a stiff resistance by Police operatives and local vigilantes who professionally took vintage positions and engage the hoodlums in a protracted gun duel, forcing them to flee to the adjourning bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
Speaking for CP Mohammed Barde, the Commissioner of Police in the State, Okoye advised the public to report any person seen with or treating gunshot injury to the Police.
Full statement bellow:
*IMO POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE OF WEDNESDAY, 19TH JULY, 2023*
*POLICE OPERATIVES FOIL ATTEMPT BY IPOB/ESN CRIMINAL SYNDICATES TO INVADE THE RESIDENCE OF CHAIRMAN COUNCIL OF IMO STATE TRADITIONAL RULERS.*
*Report any person seen with or treating gunshot injury to the Police…. Says CP Barde*
Police Operatives of Orlu Divisional Headquarters in a joint operation with the Local Vigilantes of Amaifeke ancient Kingdom, Orlu on 18/07/2023 at about 1415hrs foiled attempts to invade the Palace of the Chairman Council of Imo State Traditional Rulers, the Traditional Ruler of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom, HRH EZE DR. E.C. Okeke at Amaifeke in Orlu LGA of Imo State by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed militia Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The hoodlums who came in their numbers shooting sporadically and fighting their way into the Palace were given a stiff resistance by Police operatives and local vigilantes who professionally took vintage positions and engage the hoodlums in a protracted gun duel, forcing them to flee to the adjourning bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries.
Two Local Vigilantes whose names are withheld for security reasons were fatally injured in the ensuing gun duel and immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention. Unfortunately, one of them died while receiving medical attention, while the other is in stable condition. On combing the adjourning bushes blood stains were seen which evidentially suggest that the hoodlums were fatally hit.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde calls on the good people of Amaifeke Kingdom to go about their lawful business as adequate security measures have been emplaced to forestall future occurrences. An intensive manhunt for the assailants is ongoing. They will be apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.
More so, the CP beckons on the general public particularly owners of Hospital and first aid outlets to swiftly report any person (s) seen with or treating gunshot injury in the State to the nearest Police Station or via the Command’s emergency number 08034773600 or 08098880197.
ASP OKOYE HENRY
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
IMO STATE COMMAND
