A police divisional headquarters in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra was attacked yesterday morning by suspected members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN group, leaving six of the gunmen and a policeman dead.
The police spokesman in the state, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the attack in a statement to Peoples Gazette.
“Police operatives attached to 3-3 Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA today, 19/2/2023, by 5:58 am, foiled an attack by IPOB/ESN Insurgents on the police facility, neutralized six of the Insurgents, recovered two Ak-47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items.
“The outlawed IPOB/ESN Insurgents came in their numbers with two SUV vehicles and one Toyota Sienna, armed with guns, IEDs and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were fiercely engaged and resisted by the Divisional Police Officer and his men in a long gun battle before the prompt reinforcement team, made up of the Military and PMF Operatives arrived the scene.
“During the gun duel, unfortunately, one police operative attached to the station was fatally wounded, and an office in the facility was partially affected by the petrol bomb the Insurgents threw inside the station.
“Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.
“While some of the insurgents escaped with gun shots injuries, the situation is under control, and the incident is still being assessed,” Mr Ikenga said.
He said that “joint operations are still ongoing to track the fleeing insurgents,” adding that further development shall be communicated,” to the public.
He advised public and private hospital management in the state to report to the nearest police station any patient looking to treat a gunshot wound.
The Anambra police command has continued to witness similar attacks on police facilities in the state.
The police spokesman in the state, however, maintained that the command remains on top of the situation.
