Ibe Pascal, Owerri
Three gunmen and a policeman have been killed after an attack on the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral commission in Imo State on Monday.
Mike Abattam, the police spokesperson in the state told our correspondent that one policeman sustained injuries from the attack.
Two suspects were arrested alive.
It was gathered that the gun duel lasted for an hour and kept the residents of Owerri, the state capital awake throughout the night.
The spokesperson for the police in the state, Michael Abattam, who spoke to our correspondent at the command headquarters in Owerri, were the lifeless bodies of the hoodlums were paraded said five riffles, two vehicles, charms, locally made bombs , phones and money were recovered from the slain gunmen.
He also confirmed the death of a cop and injuring of another operative.
Abattam said ” they attacked the INEC headquarters in Owerri, around 3am. They threw bombs at the roof of the INEC building but unfortunately for them, they were resisted by our men who were guarding the place. They came in four vehicles and fully armed.
“While they engaged our men on ground we reinforced. Noticing that we were stronger they ran away , abandoning one of their vehicles. We gave them a hot chase towards the Onitsha Road. Fortunately we neutralised three of them.
0thers escaped with bullet wound injuries. Unfortunately one of our men paid the supreme price. Another one was injured. We recovered two vehicles. We also recovered five riffles, charms, locally made explosives, phones and money and other exhibits.”
“We are currently chasing after the fleeing ones, “Abattam assured.
CP Barde assures of relentless efforts
Speaking during the parade, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Barde Mohammed assures of the command’s relentless efforts to see that the state is secured.
He tasked journalists to report on what exactly happened on every incident and to also shun fake news.
Uzodimma blames desperate politicians
On assessment visit at Imo police headquarters, Imo governor, Hope Uzodimma blamed desperate politicians over continued incessant attacks in the state.
He insisted that desperate politicians are behind those attacks on police facilities, INEC and others.
According to Uzodimma, “No matter how desperate politicians try bring insecurity in this state, there will be free and fair elections in Imo State in 2023.
Speaking further, “Those who are behind these attacks are politicians who want to win an election but never wanted the elections to hold, but it is not possible, “Uzodimma said.
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