Two policemen were shot dead Thursday when Biafra agitators loyal to the incarcerated Simon Ekpa, attacked a patrol van at Okigwe in Imo State.
The police team on routine patrol were reportedly ambushed and attacked at about 6:30 am on Thursday.
According to local sources who pleaded not to be mentioned, revealed that the incident happened at Umuluole Junction along the Okigwe/Umuahia expressway.
The sources said the gunmen numbering over 25 were said to be about 25 in number and were said to have opened fire on the police team with GPMG and Assault Rifles.
Two policemen, Inspector Simon Ogbonna and Isonh Osudi, lost their lives in the ensuing gun duel while the patrol van was set ablaze by the hoodlums.
Three AK-47 Rifles were also snatched by the gunmen.
Confirming the incident, the police spokesperson in Imo State, ASP Henry Okoye, noted that the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has deployed the Command’s tactical unit, along with available operational assets, to apprehend the hoodlums responsible for the attack on CTU operatives in Okigwe along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway on Thursday.
In a statement, the CP emphasized that the command is fully committed to bringing those responsible to justice and restoring security to the area.
Following the attack, CP Aboki Danjuma visited the scene for an on-the-spot assessment and also took the opportunity to reassure the residents of the nearby Northern Community in Gariki, Okigwe, of their safety. The CP reiterated that the Command is committed to maintaining peace, particularly during the festive season and beyond.
The Chairman of Okigwe Local Government Area, Mrs. Lolo Nkechi Mbonu, who was also present during the visit, reaffirmed her support for the security agencies, assuring that the State Government will continue to assist with the much-needed logistics to safeguard the area. Similarly, Alhaji Muhazu Mohammed, the Sariki Hausawa of Gariki Market, promised to continue supporting security agencies with actionable intelligence that will assist in ensuring the safety of their community and other areas in the state.
CP Aboki Danjuma confirmed that the Command, in collaboration with the military, is intensifying operations to apprehend those responsible. He further called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines at 0803 477 3600, ensuring a collective effort to maintain peace. He also appealed for continued cooperation between the community and security agencies in the fight against crime and insecurity in the state.
Simon Ekpa boys claim responsibility
Bryan Williams, an of Simon Ekpa, shared the 16-second video of the attack on X with a caption that reads, “Biafra Armed on early morning evangelism. “
Another user, @kizyuzoma posted the same video and wrote, “Oku dikwa over 🔥 🔥 🔥 What is happening in Umuahia Road in Old Abia State.“
Simon Ekpa, the leader of the autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), was arrested in November over alleged terrorism charges by the Finnish police.
Mr Ekpa always addressed himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government In Exile (BRIGE).
Since 2021, Simon Ekpa has been linked to many deadly attacks in Nigeria’s Southeast.
