Unidentified gunmen struck on Sunday night, targeting a patrol vehicle and resulting in the tragic deaths of three vigilance operatives and an innocent passerby at Umuaka Community in Njaba Local Government Area (LGA) of Imo State.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the incident occurred near the local Afor Umuaka Market and Hilltop Primary School around 7:20 pm. A community leader, speaking anonymously, described the attack as a devastating ambush.
The source revealed that Umuaka Community and its neighboring areas have been enduring a siege from gunmen and suspected kidnappers who have been terrorizing the region recently. It was noted that criminal elements had recently established bases in Ezioha Community in Mbaitoli LGA, from where they launched attacks on local residents.
“The dismantling of terrorist camps in Orsu LGA and other parts of the state forced them to relocate to Ezioha Community,” the source explained. “Their unchecked activities have led to the abduction of at least 10 individuals over the past six weeks. Despite no ransom demands or recovered bodies, all of them remain missing. Last night’s incident was a continuation of their relentless attacks.”
Confirming the tragic incident in Owerri on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Imo State, ASP Henry Okoye, reported that three vigilance personnel and a female passerby, struck by a stray bullet, lost their lives during the ambush.
Okoye stated that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma, had deployed a Tactical Squad to track down and apprehend the culprits responsible for the heinous act.
“CP Aboki Danjuma expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident and assured that every effort will be made to apprehend and prosecute the perpetrators,” the police spokesman emphasized. “He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased victims and prayed for the repose of their souls.”
He urged the public, especially residents of Njaba, to come forward with any pertinent information regarding the hoodlums, encouraging them to contact the nearest Police Station or utilize the command’s emergency hotlines at 08034773600 or 08098880197.