Gunmen attack Imo police station – fifth in one month

Gunmen, suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN), on Friday morning launched a deadly attack on the Mbieri Divisional headquarters situated in the Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

The Informant247 reports that this is the fifth Divisional Police headquarters attacked in the past one month.

It was earlier reported that the gunmen had burnt Okwelle, Omuma, Isu and Umuguma Divisional Police Headquarters, killing two policemen, burning several vehicles and releasing inmates in the last one month in the state.

The police command in Imo on Friday successfully repelled a deadly attack by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked Mbieri Police Division.

Speaking on the latest attack, the acting Police Commissioner in Imo, Mr. Maman Giwa, in a press statement signed by the command’s spokesman, CSP Mike Abattam, said there was minimal damage to police facility, while no casualty was recorded.

Giwa said ever-ready officers repelled the bandits and forced them to retreat.

“Today April 1, hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network, its militia wing attempted attack on Mbieri Police Station but were repelled following a stiff resistance from the police operatives attached to the division.

“The hoodlums who threw Improvised Explosive Devices into the station and shooting sporadically were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the combat-ready police operatives, forcing them to retreat in panic, escaping in their vehicles.

“For the prompt response of the gallant police operatives, only minimal damage was done to a parked unserviceable vehicles and some windows due to the effect of the Explosive.

“No life was lost or injury sustained by the operatives and no arms/ ammunition were carted away,” he said.

Giwa said investigation was ongoing and efforts were made to arrest the fleeing hoodlums.

While commending the gallantry displayed by the officers, he urged them not to relent in their efforts in combating crimes until all the criminal elements and their partners are apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

He also appealed to the public for their continuous support and collaboration by giving security agencies, especially the Police credible and timely information.