3 security operatives killed in Imo, Jigawa
Gunmen have killed two police operatives in Imo State. The incident occurred on Sunday along the Okigwe Axis in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the slain operatives were attached to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro. A police operative on Monday […]
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Gunmen have killed two police operatives in Imo State.
The incident occurred on Sunday along the Okigwe Axis in the Okigwe Local Government Area of the state.
Sources told PREMIUM TIMES that the slain operatives were attached to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro.
A police operative on Monday said Mr Ikoro, who represents Afikpo North-West in the Ebonyi State Assembly, was travelling with the officers when one of their vehicles developed a mechanical fault.
The two operatives stayed back along the road to look for a mechanic while the lawmaker continued his journey in other vehicles.
“While they were there, some hoodlums ambushed them and opened fire on them. They died immediately,” the police operative, who asked not to be named, said.
When contacted on Monday afternoon, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and killing of the operatives to PREMIUM TIMES.
Mr Okoye, a deputy superintendent of police, said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has launched a manhunt for the killers.
“The commissioner has ordered deployment of tactical and operational resources to make sure the hoodlums were apprehended and brought to book,” he said.
The spokesperson said police operatives were combing the bushes around the area to track down the attackers.
He said the bodies of the slain officers had been recovered and deposited in a morgue.
Hoodlums kill NSCDC officer
In another incident, a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, Superintendent Bashir Adamu Jibril, was killed on Monday by a mob at Shuwarin Market in Kiyawa Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. while the officer was performing his lawful duty.
Eyewitnesses said the attack followed the arrest of a suspected criminal, which triggered a violent reaction from hoodlums determined to obstruct justice.
Armed with cutlasses, sticks, and other dangerous weapons, the mob descended on the officer, inflicting fatal injuries.
He was rushed to Dutse General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Jigawa State Command of the NSCDC has confirmed the incident and vowed to ensure justice is served.
Command’s spokesperson, Badruddeen Tijjani Mahmud, said the prime suspect and alleged mastermind of the attack has been arrested, while investigations are ongoing to track down others involved.
The command condemned the act of jungle justice, describing the killing as senseless and unacceptable. “This is a tragic loss of a courageous and disciplined officer who served his country with dedication,” he said.
Superintendent Jibril was widely respected for his bravery and commitment to duty. His death sparked outrage, with calls for swift action against the perpetrators.
The NSCDC assured the public and the family of the deceased that no effort would be spared in bringing all those responsible to justice.