IPOB/ESN ambush lawmaker’s convoy, kill police officer
Story by Victor Itodo ABUH
Two police officers attached to Honourable Ginger Onwusibe, the House of Representatives member for Isiala-Ngwa North/South Constituency, were ambushed by gunmen, suspected to be fighters of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN), while on official duty in Umuahia.
The incident took place on Sunday at approximately 8:30 pm.
One officer, who sustained multiple gunshot injuries, succumbed to his wounds, while the second officer and the driver managed to escape unscathed.
Confirming the incident in a statement released on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka emphasised the Abia State Police Command’s dedication to ensuring that those responsible are apprehended.
The statement read, “On 17/11/2024, at about 20:30hrs, two police officers, from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 4, Makurdi Inspector Dunna Jatau and Inspector Bala Mohammed assigned to Honourable Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency, were ambushed by armed assailants while on official duty in Umuahia.
“The officers were in a Police Toyota Hilux vehicle after accompanying and dropping off the Honourable in Umuahia.
“On their way, near Umuahia South Local Government Area Secretariat in Ubakala, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black attire, operating in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows.
“The assailants blocked the path of the police vehicle and opened fire. Tragically, Inspector Bala Mohammed sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.
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“Inspector Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack.
“The area was immediately combed by officers of the command as a comprehensive search operation was launched to locate the attackers.
“Tactical teams have been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.
“The Abia State Police Command is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. We urge the public to remain calm, stay security conscious, go about their activities, and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station.”
This incident marks the second attack on security personnel within a week in the southeastern state.
Just days earlier, unidentified gunmen killed two soldiers affiliated with the Joint Task Force South-East Operation UDO KA along the Umuahia-Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area.
The military attributed that attack to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Earlier this year, another violent incident occurred in May when an attack on a military checkpoint in Aba, Abia State, led to the deaths of five soldiers.
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