The Imo State Police Command has fingered the members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network for the Friday night attack on Agwa Police Division in Oguta Local Government Area.
Four policemen were killed in the attack in which part of the station was also burnt.
The Spokesman of the Command, Mr Michael Abattam, said in a statement on Saturday that suspected members of IPOB/ESN attacked the Agwa Police Division on Friday at 11 pm.
Abattam in the statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, said that the attackers invaded the station with two vehicles and a tipper.
According to him, they used the tipper to force the gate of the station open before shooting and throwing improvised explosive devices and patrol bombs into the premises
Abattam confirmed that four policemen died, and a rifle missing while two suspects in custody escaped during the attack.
He said that adequate steps have been taken to strengthen security in the area.
“On 05/8/2022 at about 2300 hours , hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militia affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) attacked Agwa Police Station in their numbers.
“The hoodlums who came in two vehicles and a tipper , shooting sporadically, used the tipper vehicle in forcing the gate open to gain entrance into the station, throwing Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDS) and petrol bombs .
“The police operatives of the division joined by the Command’s Tactical Teams gave the hoodlums a stiff resistance, engaging them in a gun duel. The hoodlums who were fatally hit with alot of casualty on their side, retreated, escaping in their vehicles.
“The fire which affected a parked private car and some motorcycles was later put off, preventing it from causing more damages.
“Fortunately, the building was not affected . In the attack, two suspects in custody escaped, four police officers gallantly paid the supreme price, while one rifle is yet to be recovered . Meanwhile, the area have been fortified with enough police operatives .
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde psc(+) , who went to the scene on confidence building patrol and on the spot accessement of the incident, visited the Eze of the Community, HRH Eze (Dr) I. O Asor (fcin) in his Palace where he assured him and members his community of the Command’s commitment in ensuring that peace is restored and the Command will leave no stone unturned until the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.
“He then enjoined them to report any person seen treating bullet wounds or hiding within their communities to the nearest police station or call the Command’s emergency control room numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197.” The statement reads