Gunmen on Sunday ambushed and killed vigilante operatives in Njaba area of Imo State.
The attack resulted in the deaths of three vigilantes and a teenager.
NewsBand gathered that the vigilantes were on a security patrol within the community when they were attacked by the criminal elements at Afor Umuaka.
The assailants reportedly set up an ambush and began shooting at the security personnel, overtaking their Toyota Sienna vehicle. During the gunfire, a stray bullet struck and killed the teenager.
“Three vigilantes and a teenager were killed when the gunmen ambushed the community security patrol vehicle and shot them dead,” an eyewitness said.
While confirming the attack, the state police command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, announced that a tactical squad had been deployed to apprehend the attackers.
“The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has strongly condemned the attack and gruesome murder of the vigilante personnel of the Umuaka Autonomous Community by gunmen,” Okoye stated.
He added that the Commissioner of Police has vowed to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice.
CP Aboki Danjuma expressed sadness over the incident, condoling with the families of the deceased victims and praying for the repose of their souls.
The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are determined to hunt down those responsible for this heinous act and restore peace to the community.