The Abia State Police Command has confirmed that two of its personnel were shot dead in an attack on the convoy of the state Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr Chimezie Ukaegbu, on Tuesday.
The attack was said to have occurred during the commissioner’s familiarisation tour to markets in the Aba metropolis.
This was just as a journalist in the convoy, Imeremba Imeremba of the Real FM, Aba escaped death narrowly.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident in a statement on Wednesday.
Chinaka quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, as decrying the attack.
The statement read, “At approximately 4pm on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, a distressing incident occurred at SAMEC, located near Faulks Road in Aba.
“A group of hoodlums launched an attack on the convoy of the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, and Industry during the commissioner’s familiarisation tour to markets in the Aba metropolis. The convoy was en route to Ekeoha Shopping Plaza when the armed assailants opened fire.
“Regrettably, amidst the chaos, two police officers lost their lives in the line of duty. A police constable who was part of the security convoy was fatally shot.
“Additionally, a police inspector, who was not initially part of the convoy but happened to be on a separate assignment with a police Hilux, also met the scene and tragically lost his life. Furthermore, the hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle belonging to the Ministry for Trade, Commerce, and Investment.”
The police boss assured members of 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.
“We urge the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies. Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.”
