Gunmen on Wednesday night murdered a police inspector in Rivers State.
According to spokesperson for the state police command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the inspector was killed after being attacked alongside his colleagues on a stop-and-search duty at the Eliozu flyover in Obio/Akpo LGA.
Iringe-Koko said the gunmen, who were spotted in a carton-coloured Sienna bus with fully tinted glasses, drove in from the Rumuodumaya area, near Port Harcourt where they launched the offensive which claimed the officer’s life.
She, however, said the operatives rose to the occasion and returned fire and neutralised one of the miscreants who wore mask, but that other gang members escaped by the whisker.
The statement reads, “We are deeply saddened to announce a heinous incident that occurred on 21st February 2024, involving an attack on policemen attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.
“At approximately 2145hrs, while conducting routine stop-and-search at Eliozu flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses.
“The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time.
“The assailants, drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty.
“Undeterred, the police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralize one of them with mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.
“The Command has launched a thorough investigation into this despicable act and has already identified the group responsible.
“Rest assured, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to justice. No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.”
