Early yesterday morning, gunmen attacked the Isiowulu Police station in Awada, Idemili North Local Council, Anambra State, and killed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and two other people.
It was discovered that the thugs broke into the police station at around 2:18 in the morning and started shooting at the officers. According to reports, the police repelled and killed three of the criminals during the attack with the assistance of military men.
It was discovered that the victims included the DPO, one inspector, and a newly hired constable. Approximately six of the thugs were killed in the earlier attack, which occurred less than 24 hours after gunmen attacked the 3-3 Police Divisional office in the Oyi local government council.
A local source claimed that the thugs opened fire as they approached the police station and that the gunfire continued for several hours. The source stated: “In the early hours of this morning, these hoodlums attempted to set fire to the Isiowulu Police Station in Awada, close to Obosi, Anambra State.
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Three members of the gang were killed following a flurry of gunfire as the hoodlums were repelled by brave security personnel. They were also where the operation’s vehicles and two AK-47 rifles were found.
According to a different source, “Last night was awful for people living near the station; it felt like war had come to us. various directions of gunfire.
“This morning, I inquired and learnt that the gunmen had invaded the station, set some part of the station on fire, and killed three policemen.”
Confirming the incident, spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, said four policemen died during the attack, while three members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) were also killed during the operation.
“Today 20/02/2023 at about 02:20 a.m., gunmen suspected to be IPOB/ESN, attacked Awada Police Station in Idemili North Local Council of Anambra State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and automatic firearms.
“In response to the attack, police operatives attached to Anambra State Command engaged the assailants jointly with troops from 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army in a gun duel and three members of the outlawed IPOB/ESN were fatally wounded while three Kalashnikov rifles and one Automatic Pump Action gun were recovered from them.
“Other items recovered from the assailants, include a brown Lexus 330 with reg no. GWA 415BB ABJ, one unregistered KYMCO motorcycle suspected to be stolen properties, charms and other incriminating items.
“During a mop-up operation by police/military operatives, two male suspects reasonably believed to have participated in the attack were apprehended.
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“Regrettably, four police operatives paid the supreme price while a section of the station, one police patrol vehicle and three exhibit vehicles parked in the premises were set ablaze by petrol bombs thrown into the station by the assailants,” he added.
Ikenga claimed that the state’s police chief, Echeng Echeng, had already arrived at the scene and that he had immediately ordered the deployment of all the command’s operational and investigative resources in order to find the murderous gang’s evading members.
He claimed that the police, working with sister agencies, have urged the residents of Awada and the people of Anambra State to maintain calm until the criminal elements terrorizing the state have been brought to justice.
