Gunmen kill Police Inspector, three civilians in Aba attack

Tragedy struck in Aba, Abia State, on Sunday, as gunmen launched a deadly attack on a police patrol team, resulting in the death of a police Inspector and three civilians. The incident occurred along Mosque street by Ngwa road, where the assailants, traveling in a Toyota Sienna bus, opened fire on the police team.

According to reports, the police team, identified as the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), swiftly retaliated, engaging the attackers in a fierce exchange of gunfire. In the crossfire, Inspector Shehu Oyibo of the RRS and three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyeaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong God’sgift Clement—lost their lives to stray bullets.

Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the tragic event, stating that in addition to the fatalities, two gunmen were killed while others managed to escape with gunshot wounds.

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of chaos and additional casualties, suggesting that more individuals might have been injured or killed in the onslaught.

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In an official statement on Sunday, ASP Maureen Chinaka provided details of the incident: “Today, July 21, 2024, at about 11:28hrs, police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Aba, Abia State Command, while on patrol along Ngwa Road by Mosque junction, Aba, were attacked by armed assailants in an ash-colored Sienna vehicle. The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.”

She continued, “Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries. Tragically, Inspector Shehu Oyibo and three civilians—Chika Godliveth, Onyenaturuchi Jonah, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement—fell victim to bullets from the assailants. Their bodies have been deposited at the mortuary, and investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

ASP Chinaka assured the public of heightened security measures, with deployments to strategic locations across the state to safeguard lives and property. She urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals with gunshot wounds to law enforcement authorities promptly.

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