Three civilians and an Inspector of Police, Shehu Oyibo, were slain by armed men on Sunday in the Aba region of the state, according to the Abia State Police Command.
The police officer, who was assigned to the state’s Rapid Response Squad, was killed by armed individuals on Ngwa Road near Mosque Junction in Aba.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the state Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, said, “Today, 21 July 2024, at approximately 1128 hours, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Aba, Abia State Command, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque Junction, Aba, were attacked by armed assailants in an ash-coloured Sienna vehicle.”
“However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were killed, while the rest escaped with varying degrees of gunshot injuries. Unfortunately, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, and three civilians, later identified as Chika Godliveth’m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah’m’ 32 years old from Item, in Bende LGA of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old from Akwa Ibom State, were killed by bullets from the assailants.”
According to her, the deceased’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary, and an investigation is underway to catch the fleeing criminals.
She urged the public to continue their lawful activities without fear, stating that “officers have been dispatched to crucial sites in the state to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station,” according to the command.