The Police authority in Enugu has opened up on the Sunday clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and security operatives, confirming the death of two officers of the Department of State Security (DSS) and four others suspected to be members of the separatist group.
A police statement issued late Sunday evening stated that the police moved in following credible information that suspected members of the proscribed IPOB numbering over 500 had gone on a rampage, blocking and burning tyres on the road.
They were said to have abducted operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).
Following the report the State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad AbdurRahman immediately deployed operatives of the Command, led by Enugu Metro Area commander, to rescue the adopted operatives and restore normalcy.
“On getting to the scene, the operatives, who were joined by those of DSS, Army and Air Force, came under serious gunfire attacks by the hoodlums.
ALSO READ: Akeredolu inaugurates newly elected Council Chairmen in Ondo
“They responded and in the ensuing gun duel, two of the hoodlums were gunned down, while some of them escaped with bullets wounds.
“The Operatives successfully restored normalcy and rescued one of the DSS Operatives, who were at the said school to disperse the hoodlums from their unlawful assembly, while two others were found lifeless in the scene and later confirmed dead.“
Five members of the group were arrested and they confessed to being members of the proscribed IPOB and had gone to the school to hold a meeting and be trained in the martial art and self-defence skills.
“Machetes, cut-to-size woods with nails affixed, phones and other items were recovered at the scene.
“Meanwhile, before getting to the scene, the hoodlums had macheted and gruesomely killed a young man, set another ablaze, while also attacking Police personnel resident in the area.”
The police warned that acts of rebellion by persons and/or groups capable of truncating the peace and tranquillity enjoyed in the State will not be tolerated.
The statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, urged hospitals and medical service providers against rejecting anyone seeking medical attention from bullet wounds.
It, however, advised that such patient should be treated and the police duly notified.