Gunmen, aboard a Sienna bus, opened fire on police officers conducting a stop and search operation in Port Harcourt, resulting in the death of one officer.
In a statement released on Friday, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Police Command in Rivers, denounced the attacks as senseless and unprovoked. She disclosed that one of the assailants was killed during the ensuing gunfire exchange.
“The sad incident occurred at about 9:45 p.m. on February 21 when unidentified hoodlums targeted policemen from Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.
“While the officers were carrying out stop and search at Eliozu flyover, they were attacked by the hoodlums traveling in a carton-coloured, glass-tinted Sienna bus.
“The vehicle’s registration number remains unknown at this time.”
Iringe-Koko stated that the criminals shot at the unsuspecting officers without any prior provocation.
“The attackers, arriving from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly sacrificed his life in the line of duty.
“Undeterred, the police team responded bravely, engaged the attackers, and managed to neutralize one of them who was wearing a mask.
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“Unfortunately, the others managed to escape, but potentially sustaining gunshot wounds,” he added.
The official confirmed that the command has launched an investigation to apprehend the culprits, with the criminal gang responsible for the attacks already identified.
She reiterated the commitment of the police force to pursue all individuals involved in the despicable act until they are brought to justice.
“Such acts of aggression against security forces impact the safety and security of society, hence, we shall remain resolute in our duty to preserve peace and protect lives.
“The Commissioner of Police in Rivers, CP Olatunji Disu, has pledged that those who perpetrate violence against law enforcement and civilians will face the full weight of the law.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen Inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain,” Iringe-Koko noted.
The police spokesperson urged citizens to carry on with their lawful activities confidently, assuring them that the command would bolster its strategies to guarantee their safety.
