By OBINNA NWADIKE
ABIA State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, is leading the pursuit of gunmen who attacked a Police team in Asaga Ohafia, Ohafia Local Government Area, on Wednesday.
The gunmen had engaged the Force in a gun duel with police officers during a stop-and-search operation, resulting in one officer’s death and another’s injury.
Leading a team of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force to Ohafia, Commissioner Isa expressed sorrow over the loss of his men.
He revealed that the assailants fled after their attack was repelled by the police.
ASP Etim Obungha was successfully rescued unhurt, while Corporal Chukwu Odoemelam, who sustained a bullet injury, is currently receiving treatment.
Unfortunately, ASP Etet Uboulo, did not survive the attack.
During the operation, several exhibits were recovered from the crime scene.
Commissioner Isa stated that investigations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
Isa assured people of Abia State that the perpetrators of the heinous crime would be apprehended to face justice.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, however, has urged members of the public to remain security-conscious as they go about their daily activities and report any suspicious persons with bullet wounds, unusual activities, or movement of strange vehicles to the nearest police station.
The PPRO in statement assured the citizens that the perpetrators of the dastardly act would be apprehended to face justice.
“Today, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, led an operation along Asaga Road by Terry Key in Ohafia and Ohafia axis in a bid to apprehend the hoodlums who ambushed and attacked officers on patrol duty at about 07:30hrs.
“The hoodlums, unable to withstand the firepower of the police officers, fled the scene after their attack was repelled.
“During the operation led by the CP, ASP Etim Obungha was successfully rescued unhurt. Corporal Chukwu Odoemelam, who sustained bullet injury during the attack, was promptly rushed to the hospital and is currently responding to treatment.
“Tragically, the body of ASP Etet Uboulo who did not survive the earlier attack was recovered.
“In the course of the operation, some exhibits were recovered from the crime scene and investigation is ongoing with the view to tracking down the hoodlums.
“Watertight security measures have been emplaced as tactical teams, operatives from Ohafia Area Command in collaboration with the army component from 14 Brigade, Ohafia are currently on patrol in the area.
“CP Danladi Isa has assured the good people of Abia that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be apprehended to face justice.
“The Police Command urges members of the public to remain security-conscious as they go about their daily activities and report any suspicious persons with bullet wounds, unusual activities, or movement of strange vehicles to the nearest police station,” the statement concluded.