Violence erupts in Ebonyi as police clash with IPOB/ESN members enforcing sit-at-home order
The Ebonyi State Police Command has confirmed the death of an individual affiliated with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN).
The incident occurred during an attempt to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order in Okposi, Ohaozara Local Government Area of the State.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, on July 10, 2023, at approximately 13:50 hrs, armed men suspected to be IPOB/ESN members arrived in Okposi and began firing shots into the air.
The police responded swiftly upon receiving the information, initiating a pursuit that led to a confrontation.
“In the gun duel that ensued, the police shot and killed one of the armed individuals, while others managed to escape with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” stated SP Onovwakpoyeya.
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During the operation, law enforcement recovered several items, including a bullet-riddled blue Highlander jeep, a pump-action gun, five live cartridges, four mobile phones, and a Sumec Fireman generator.
Additionally, charms, assorted provisions believed to have been looted from shops, two face masks (one red and one black), ten expended pump-action gun cartridges, and nine expended AK-47 rifle ammunition shells were found at the scene.
Further efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the gang took place on July 11, 2023. “During continued searches in the surrounding bushes, other fleeing gang members were arrested with bullet wounds,” confirmed SP Onovwakpoyeya.
The arrested suspects have been identified as Emmanuel Edwin and Chigozie Udeh. Unfortunately, one other suspect who was found unconscious with gunshot injuries passed away while being transported to the hospital.
“The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Augustina Ogbodo, is using this medium to issue a stern warning to criminals, urging them to either surrender their weapons or vacate the state, as it will no longer provide refuge for illegal activities,” emphasized SP Onovwakpoyeya.
The Commissioner assured the people of Ebonyi that maximum security measures have been implemented, allowing them to continue their lawful activities without fear.
“Motorized patrols have been intensified throughout the state to curtail the activities of criminal elements”.
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