Gunmen on Sunday morning launched a deadly ambush on a police patrol team in Imo State, killing one officer and abducting an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), sparking fears of escalating insecurity in the region.
The attack, which occurred around 9:00 a.m. at Finas Gas Station along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road near the Old Gariki area of Okigwe, left Police Constable Oluebube dead on the spot after being shot by the assailants. His service rifle was also taken by the attackers.
The team, reportedly led by ASP Casmir, came under sudden fire while stationed at the area. Following the attack, the whereabouts of ASP Casmir and his AK-47 rifle remain unknown, fueling concerns that he may have been abducted by the gunmen.
According to a police statement, other members of the patrol team managed to escape with their weapons and are currently receiving medical treatment.
“One PC Oluebube was killed in action and his smoke gunner carted away. ASP Casmir and his AK-47 rifle is missing. Other members of his team have returned to base with their rifles and are currently receiving medical care,” the police confirmed.
Security operatives have since launched a manhunt to rescue the missing ASP and recover his weapon.
The brazen attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting security personnel in the South-East, a region grappling with increasing violence, police facility attacks, and abductions attributed to armed groups.
Residents of the area have expressed growing anxiety over the worsening security situation, urging the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the spate of violence.
Efforts to get further comments from the Imo State Police Command were ongoing as of press time.
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