Metro

Gunmen attack: Imo security chiefs reaffirm commitment to public safety

Heads of security agencies in Imo have reaffirmed their commitment to public safety following a recent attack by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They gave the assurance on Thursday when they visited Njaba Police Divisional Headquarters in Njaba Local Government and Okwelle community in Onuimo Local Government Area of the state where hoodlums had carried out dastardly operations.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the police repelled the attack at its Njaba division, neutralizing three suspects during the gun duel.

However, some of the fleeing hoodlums later killed five civilians, including four metal scavengers, without any provocation in another operation.

The Imo State Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, together with Brig.-Gen. UA Lawal of the 34 Artillery Brigade and Commander Oguta Naval Base, Commodore MB Salisu, who visited the troubled communities, described their visit as a “confidence-building visit”.

Also in the entourage were the Director of the Department of State Security (DSS), the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Affairs, Gen. Joseph Ogbonna (rtd), and Commissioner for Homeland Security, Mr Modestus Osakwe, among others.

Danjuma commended officers at the Njaba Police Division for their bravery in protecting the division and urged them not to relent in safeguarding the division against any threats.

He explained that the visit demonstrated the unwavering dedication of the security agencies to safeguard both personnel and the community.

In Okwelle, the delegation expressed condolences to the families of those affected by the attacks and visited injured victims in the hospital.

They also offered support and reassurances of the security agencies’ united efforts to apprehend those responsible for the acts of violence.

Recall that the Nigerian government had labeled members of IPOB and its security arm, ESN, as terrorist groups and had vowed to apprehend alleged sponsors of the separatist group seeking independence for the Southeast region of Nigeria.

The group had been linked to several violent incidents in the South East region of the country, forcing authorities to declare over 20 suspects wanted for terrorism, violent extremism, and secessionist threats against the state.

Notable among those declared wanted are Simon Ekpa (factional leader of the group), Chika Edoziem, Egede Zuma, ThankGod Gentle, David Ezekwem Chidiebube, Mazi Peter Kelechi, Mathew David Ndubuisi, High Chief Williams Agbor, Ebuka Nwaka and Friday Ojimka, amongst others.

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