ESN/IPOB gunmen allegedly invade police facility, abduct officer in Abia

A police officer was on Thursday abducted when gunmen suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN)/ the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) invaded the Mbala Divisional Police Headquarters in Isuochi Community, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State.

The abducted officer, simply identified as Dickson, is a Deputy Superintendent of Police, and the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) in the police facility.

It was gathered that the DCO, said to be an indigene of Enugu State, has few years to retire from service.

Sources said police operatives had a shootout with gunmen, but were unable to stop the abduction of the DCO.

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The attack was said to have caused fears among police officers in the council area and Isuikwuato Local Government Area, a neighbouring council area.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in Abia State, Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the abduction of the officer to Premium Times, Sunday.

The police spokesperson described the attack as “unfortunate and worrisome.”

He said the police have begun an operation to track down the abductors and secure the officer’s freedom.

“Frantic efforts have started towards his release,” he said.

There are speculations that the family of the officer has been contacted and has reportedly paid an undisclosed amount of money as ransom to the abductors.

But the police officer is yet to be released, about three days after.

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