Gunmen, on Monday evening, struck at Irete axis of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, killing four police operatives and a female Point of Sale (POS) operator.
It was gathered that the policemen were attacked while on duty at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area.
An eyewitness account said that the tragic incident occurred at about 6:30p.m.
“The security personnel were taken unawares as the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing four and a female POS operator nearby.
“It was a terrible situation as people around ran for their safety when they heard the gunshots.
“The horrifying event has left the Irete Community in shock and mourning,” the account further said.
It was further gathered that the gunmen fled the scene after the attack, leaving the victims in the pool of their own blood.
It was also learnt that the gunmen shot severally at the patrol van and its tyres to prevent any surviving security personnel from using it to chase them.
“It is disheartening, honestly, to see lives being wasted for whatever reason in such a horrific manner.
“This senseless killing of our security personnel and innocent citizens by faceless, non-state actors must stop,” another eyewitness said on the condition of anonymity.
It urged the State Government and security agencies to beef up security in the state and ensure that the assailants were arrested and brought to justice.
In a reaction, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Aboki Danjuma, “condemned the attack and gruesome murder” of his men and a civilian.
A statement issued in Owerri by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, and made available to NAN, accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.
Okoye disclosed that the CP “has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack”.
According to the statement, the operatives were ambushed while on a routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
“They fought gallantly but, unfortunately, four paid the supreme price, while a civilian was fatally hit.
“On receipt of the unfortunate incident, the CP immediately mobilised to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incident,” Okoye added.
He also explained that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment.
“The CP expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and vowed that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice,” he further stated.
The statement described the tragic incident “as a painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices police operatives face in their unwavering commitment to public safety.
“CP Danjuma commiserates with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls,” it added.
It quoted the state police chief to have called on the general public, particularly the residents of Ogbakwu, “who may have any information that will assist in apprehending the assailants to report the same to the nearest police station.
Okoye stated that the report could also be made available to the command via it’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.