DPO, five others killed in fresh Anambra attack

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and two other people were killed in an early-morning gun attack on the Isiowulu Police station in Awada, Idemili North Local Council, Anambra State, yesterday.

It was discovered that the criminals stormed the police station at around 2:18 in the morning and engaged the officers in a gunfight. During the attack, the police reportedly repelled and killed three of the criminals with the assistance of military men.

It was discovered that the victims included the DPO, a newly hired constable, and one inspector. Less than 24 hours prior, gunmen opened fire on the 3-3 Police Divisional office in Oyi Local Government Council, killing about six thugs.

According to a local source, the thugs opened fire as they approached the police station and continued shooting for several hours. According to the source, “These hoodlums attempted to burn down the Isiowulu Police Station in Awada, close to Obosi, Anambra State, in the early hours of today, resulting in another fatality.

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Three members of the gang were taken down following a flurry of gunfire as a result of the security personnel’s valiant efforts to repel the criminals. Along with the vehicles used for the operation, two AK-47 rifles were found among them.

Another source stated, “Last night was terrible for people living near the station; it felt like war had come to us. shots fired from various angles.

“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.

Four police officers tragically paid the ultimate price, and the attackers also set fire to a portion of the station, one police patrol car, and three exhibit vehicles parked there, according to the statement.

Ikenga claimed that the state’s police commissioner, Echeng Echeng, had already arrived at the scene and that after conducting spot assessments, he had ordered the immediate deployment of all the command’s operational/investigative assets to find evading murderous gang members.

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According to him, the CP has urged the citizens of Anambra State and Awada to maintain calm because the police, working with sister agencies, won’t stop until the criminals terrorizing the state are brought to justice.