By Okeke Okenyi
Gunmen suspected to be members of Eastern Security Network, an arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have killed two police officers in a gun duel battle at Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area (LGA), Imo State.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr Henry Okoye, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), who disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday, however, explained that the slain officers and other members of the operatives neutralised three and arrested two suspected IPOB/ESN syndicate involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.
According to him, the suspects were among the 20 IPOB/ESN members earlier declared wanted by the relevant authorities, which included Williams Agbor, Ebuka Nwaka, Kelechi Peter, Friday Ojimka as well as Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the group, who was arrested recently by the Finnish Government.
"On December 19, 2024, the police engaged the criminals in a gun battle in Orogwe, Owerri West Local Government Area. Three suspects were neutralized, and two others, Mr David Ifeanyichukwu (20yrs) and Mr Abuchi Joseph (24yrs), were arrested. The gang had been involved in the abduction of Osuji Caleb Chimereze and three others on November 12, 2024, during which they stole a Mercedes Benz and other valuables.
"During the confrontation, the operatives recovered six AK-47 rifles with breach no; 11330, 12102, 3836, 8260, 9940, 113 rounds of ammunition, a locally made gun, and two stolen vehicles: a Mercedes Benz ML 350 with reg no RRT 469 FF and a Hijet shuttle bus JRV 42 XA. The suspects had used these vehicles in their criminal activities, including the kidnapping of other victims.
"Unfortunately, two police officers were injured during the exchange of fire and later succumbed to their injuries. The Imo State Police Command under the leadership of CP Aboki Danjuma mourns their loss and commends their dedication in the line of duty. Efforts are now focused on capturing the remaining members of the syndicate who managed to escape during the operation," he noted.