A police Inspector named Shehu Oyibo, who was part of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), and three civilians were killed when gunmen attacked a police patrol team along Mosque Street by Ngwa Road in Aba, Abia State.
This incident took place three weeks after gunmen killed two policemen at Opobo Junction, Ogbor Hill, Aba.
The gunmen, operating in a Toyota Sienna bus, reportedly opened fire upon spotting the police team at Mosque Street by Ngwa Road. The police team repelled the attack, and during the exchange of gunfire, three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong God’sgift Clement—were killed by stray bullets.
According to ASP Maureen Chinaka, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Abia State Command said that two of the gunmen were also killed in the attack, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
Meanwhile, eyewitnesses told report that more people were injured and might have died in the attack.
The PPRO revealed that the corpses have been deposited at a morgue in the city.
She stated, “Today, July 21, 2024, at approximately 11:28 am, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba, Abia State Command, were on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque Junction, Aba, when they were attacked by armed assailants in an ash-colored Sienna vehicle. The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, but the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.”
However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with different degrees of bullet injuries. Tragically, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, and three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, a 32-year-old from Item in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, an 18-year-old from Akwa Ibom State—were killed by bullets from the assailants.
Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.”
The PPRO encouraged the public to continue their lawful activities without fear, assuring that officers have been stationed at key locations across the state to safeguard lives and property.
She also encouraged residents to report any suspicious activities or people with gunshot wounds to the police.
