A shootout erupted on Sunday, July 21, between gunmen and a police patrol team in Aba, Abia State. The incident occurred on Mosque Street, near Ngwa Road.
According to reports, gunmen traveling in a Toyota Sienna bus ambushed the police team. A firefight ensued, resulting in the death of a police inspector from the Rapid Response Squad and three civilians, including a teenage girl.
Police spokesperson ASP Maureen Chioma Chinaka confirmed the incident in a statement. She reported that officers successfully repelled the attack, killing two of the assailants. The remaining gunmen fled the scene with bullet wounds.
The statement also acknowledged the tragic loss of innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
“July 21, 2024, at about 1128hrs, 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 men assailants in an ash-colored Sienna vehicle,” the statement read.
“The armed men opened fire on the police personnel, and the operatives repelled the attack, preventing what could have been a deadlier outcome.
“However, during the exchange of gunfire, two of the assailants were neutralized, while others escaped with various degrees of bullet injuries.
“Unfortunately, a police officer, Inspector Shehu Oyibo, three civilians who were later identified as Chika Godliveth ‘m’, Onyenaturuchi Jonah ‘m’ 32 years old, from Item, in Bende L.G.A of Abia State, and Eniobong Godsgift Clement ‘f’, 18 years old, from Akwa Ibom State were killed by bullets from the assailants
“Bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, while investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing hoodlums
“The public are assured to go about their lawful activities without fear, as officers have been deployed to strategic locations in the state to ensure the protection of life and property.
“Abians are also urged to report any suspicious movements or individuals with bullet injuries to the nearest police station.”
