Police Lose Two Personnel as Hoodlums Attack Commissioner’s Convoy in Abia 

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The Abia State Police Command yesterday lost two personnel following an attack on the convoy of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, at Aba.

The police public relations officer(PPRO) of the Command, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said in a statement  that “the distressing incident” took place at about 4.00pm on Tuesday at SAMEK Junction along Faulks Road Aba.

According to the police spokesperson, a group of hoodlums had launched an attack on the commissioner’s convoy during his familiarisation tour of markets in the commercial city.

The convoy of the commissioner was said to be en route to Ekoha shopping plaza “when the armed assailants opened fire.”

“Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty,” the PPRO said.

She identified the victims as a police constable who was part of the security convoy and a police inspector, who was not initially part of the convoy but happened to be on a separate assignment with a police Hilux.

The commissioner and other people on his entourage, including some members of government house press corps escaped the attack unhurt.

Aside the tragic killing of the two police officers, the hoodlums also set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, and Investment.

“The Commissioner of Police assures the public that every possible effort will be exerted as discreet investigations are ongoing to ensure justice is served.

“We condemn this cowardly act of violence and remain steadfast in our resolve to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the police spokesperson said.

She urged the public “to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies” in their efforts to nab the hoodlums behind the fatal attack and bring them to book.

“Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act”.

The  PPRO assured Abia residents of the “unwavering commitment” of the State Police Command “to pursuing justice and upholding the triumph of good over evil”.

“Together, as a united community, we shall prevail against such senseless acts of violence,” the PPRO stated.