A police inspector has been shot dead on Wednesday after unknown gunmen ambushed and attacked police officers on stop-and-search duty at the Eliozu Flyover in Obio/Akpo Local Government Area of the state.
According to Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson of the command, the assailants, who were in a carton-colored Sienna bus with fully tinted glasses, approached the police team from the Rumuodumaya axis, near Port Harcourt, where they launched the offensive.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Iringe-Koko disclosed that the police team responded to the attack with bravery, returning fire and managing to neutralize one of the assailants, who was wearing a mask. However, the rest of the gang members escaped.
The statement expressed deep sadness over the loss of the Inspector, who courageously sacrificed his life in the line of duty. Despite the tragic outcome, the command affirmed its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
The Rivers State Police Command vowed to launch a thorough investigation into the incident and has already identified the group responsible. The statement assured that the perpetrators would be relentlessly pursued and brought to justice.
Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, reiterated the command’s determination to hold accountable those who perpetrate violence against law enforcement officers or any citizen. He emphasized that such acts of aggression have detrimental effects on society’s safety and security.
The statement concluded with an assurance from the command that no amount of intimidation would hinder their officers’ dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
