On Saturday, gunmen attacked two policemen from MOPOL 18 in Okigwe, Imo State, killing both officers.
According to reports, gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB and its armed wing, the ESN, threw dynamite at a police patrol vehicle on Old Gariki Road and opened fire on the officers. The police officers were unable to defend themselves and were killed in the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
In addition to the two fatalities, four other police officers were reportedly injured during the attack. The severity of their injuries is unknown at this time. The identities of the slain officers have not been released, and it is unknown if any civilians were harmed in the attack.
The police spokesman, Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident, said, “The officers were ambushed in the early hours of today, March 23, 2024, while on patrol duties along old Gariki Road, Okigwe, by the disgruntled elements who threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight.
“In the process, two officers paid the ultimate price while four others survived the attack.”
In response to the attack, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma condemned the violence and led the Special Tactical Unit to the scene to assess the situation. Commander MOPOL 18 and 64 also joined in the assessment, and the police are investigating the attack. The police have not yet announced any suspects or motives.