Gunmen whose identities were yet-to-be identified have invaded and attacked the Nkporo Divisional Police Headquarters, in Ohafia local government area of Abia State.
The gunmen said to stormed the police division in three Toyota Sienna broke into the divisional armoury, carting away one AK-47 riffle with 30 rounds of live ammunition.
They were also said to have made away with two riot gunners and yet-to-be ascertained quantity of ammunition.
Two policemen on duty who were said to have sustained several degrees of injuries have been admitted in a hospital where they are receiving medical attention.
Sources said that the hoodlums may have taken advantage of the ongoing general elections; where most police officers were deployed for election duties across the state and country to launch the attack on the police station which they may have identified as a soft target because of its location.
Recall that the Ugwunagbo Police Divisional Headquarters situated at Ihie, Ugwunagbo LGA burning down the police station and the residential quarters of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO).
Reacting to the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Abia State Command, Geoffrey Ogbonna said “The hoodlums, shot sporadically, dislodged the men on duty, broke into the Station’s Armoury and carted away one (1) AK 47 Rifle loaded with thirty (30) rounds of live ammunition, two(2) Riot gunners and yet to be ascertained quantity of ammunition.
“They also made away with sets of service uniforms kept in the armoury and offices belonging to the Armourer and other policemen putting up in the Station.
“Three Police Constables among those on duty were inflicted varying degrees of injury.
“However, prompt collaborative effort of the Police and Military, resulted in the abandon and recovery of one Toyota Sienna van together with some service uniforms, shoes and personal effects taken away from the Police men.
“Two of the injured policemen are admitted in the hospital while one was treated and discharged.
“Investigation has commenced with a view to recovering the stolen arms and ammunition as well as arresting the culprits.
“The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, during a visit to the scene, accompanied by the DC Operations, DCP E.S Bretet and later joined by Ohafia LGA Chairman, Chief James Ndukwe remarked that the porosity of the Station made it possible for the hoodlums to invade the premises.
“CP Bala called on the state/local government and other critical stake holders to embrace the principles of Community Safety Partnership to erect fences that will link up with the existing one around the Station.
“Furthermore, the CP requests from the general public, useful information that would help in tracking down the hoodlums and recovery of the fire arms, please.”
