The Imo State Police Command has confirmed the death of three vigilante operatives killed by unidentified gunmen at Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, News About Nigeria reports.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Henry Okoye, disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri on Monday.
He stated that the three vigilance personnel and a female passerby, had been hit by stray bullet, and died during the attack by the gunmen on Sunday night.
He also disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, CP, Mr Aboki Danjuma, has deployed a Tactical Squad to hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the dastardly act.
“CP Aboki Danjuma expresses sadness over the unfortunate incident and vows to leave no stone unturned to ensure that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice.
“He empathised with the families of the deceased victims and prayed for the repose of their souls,” he stated.
He, therefore, called on the public, particularly the residents of Njaba, who may have any vital information on the hoodlums, to assist the command in its investigation.
Okoye further urged the residents to volunteer information at any Police Station or via the command’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.
Speaking also, a community leader, who pleaded anonymity, described the attack as a “devastating ambush”.
The source stated that the people of the community and neighbouring communities has been under siege by gunmen and kidnap suspects terrorising the area in recent times.
“The destruction of terror camps in Orsu LGA and other parts of the state forced them to move to Ezioha Community.
“Their unchallenged activities led to the abduction of no fewer than 10 persons within the last six weeks.
“No ransom demanded, no dead body found, yet all of them have been missing since then.
“What happened yesterday night was a continuation of their onslaught,” the source stated.
