Three bandits were killed by Police in Imo State when they attacked a police station with explosives in Orsu Local Government Area, the State Command said on Friday.
The Police however lost an Inspector in the attack, Abutu Yaro, the Commissioner of Police, said as he confirmed the attack to journalists in Owerri, the state capital on Friday.
He said that the attack took place on Thursday night, with the bandits throwing explosives on the rooftop of the Orsu Police station. According to him, the Police were able to overcome the attackers, killing three while others escaped with bullet wounds.
“On 5/8/2021 at about 2135 hours, armed bandits, in their numbers attacked and threw explosives and petrol bombs on top of the roof of Orsu Police station damaging the roof and causing fire outbreak in the station which spread and affected some of the vehicles parked at the parking lot,” the Police said.
“The command’s tactical teams on the ground engaged the bandits in a gun duel. And due to the superior firepower of the police, the bandits were subdued. Three of the bandits were neutralized and their guns, one pump action gun, and two locally made double barrel pistols were recovered while others escaped into the bush with bullet wounds.”
“Unfortunately, a police inspector lost his life in the attack. Meanwhile, the command is using this medium to call on the good people of Imo State especially, the Orsu community to assist the police with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the escaped bandits and to report to the nearest police station any person seen with or treating bullet wounds. Also, hospitals are advised to ensure that they report any person who comes to them for treatment of bullet wounds,” Police said.
Imo State has become a hotbed of the militancy going on Nigeria’s southeastern region, as the Indigenous People of Biafra seek self-rule for the area.
Many of the attacks on security operatives have been blamed on the Eastern Security Network, the military wing of IPOB. The group has always denied any link with the attackers, who have been dubbed Unknown Gunmen.
