Ebonyi State governor, Chief David Umahi yesterday visited the robbery scene at Ezzangbo junction, where some armed robbers killed four gallant police officers who escorted a bullion van from Enugu to Ebonyi State.
DAILY POST gathered that the robbers were wearing military uniforms and were positioned at the Ezzangbo junction waiting for the arrival of the bullion van.
It was also learnt that the robbers divided themselves into two groups, one was following the bullion van from Enugu state, while the others stationed themselves at the Ezzangbo junction.
An eyewitness who spoke to DAILY POST on condition of unanimity, said the robbers were in a hilux van and stationed themselves under the Dr. Sam Egwu flyover, where there was a heavy traffic jam.
According to the source: “the robbers staged themselves under the flyover where there was gridlock. They opened fire as soon the van reached the scene.
“It is unfortunate that the robbers also killed a welder who heard the noise of the sporadic shooting, and tried to come out but was hit by a strailed bullet.
He noted further “the governor, David Umahi, came there immediately after the incident. He saw the dead bodies of the slain police officers before they were taken to the mortuary. He came with his convoy but he didn’t make any statement. We saw his face looking very sad about the incident,” the source stated.
However, the governor in a statement signed and forwarded to DAILY POST in Abakaliki by his Special Assistant on Media, Francis Nweze commiserated with the deceased’s families.
According to him: “It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of our dear servicemen who died while serving our dear country, escorting a bullion van from Enugu to Ebonyi. The loss is a big blow to the state, but we know the culprits will never go unpunished.
“I heartily commiserate with the family of the deceased police officers and the Nigeria police in general, praying that God will grant them the fortitude to bear this colossal loss.”
The governor enjoined the citizens of the state, never to panic as everything is under control.
“Let me also assure the public that the Ebonyi State Police Headquarters is already giving all efforts, harnessing all available intelligence to bring the culprits to book as they have tightened the boundaries against the entrance of hoodlums. Remain calm and do not panic,.” he stated.
