Gunmen Kill Two Policemen in Ambush at Okigwe, Imo State

DDM News

The rising wave of insecurity in Imo State claimed yet another tragic turn on Thursday, December 19, 2024, when unknown gunmen attacked a police patrol van at Umuluole Junction along the Okigwe/Umuahia expressway.

The early morning ambush, which occurred at approximately 6:30 am, resulted in the deaths of two policemen and left the state reeling from another high-profile attack.

The attack, which Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) confirmed through a police press release, highlights the persistent security challenges facing Imo State, which has been the epicenter of numerous violent incidents in recent months.

According to the statement signed by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, the deceased officers, identified as Inspector Simon Ogbonna and Inspector Isonh Osudi, were part of a routine patrol team that was intercepted and overpowered by the assailants.

Eyewitness accounts and police reports revealed that the attackers, numbering over 25, were heavily armed with General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) and Assault Rifles.

The gunmen opened fire on the unsuspecting officers, leading to an intense exchange of gunfire.

Unfortunately, the superior firepower of the attackers resulted in the deaths of the two officers, while their patrol van was set ablaze during the assault.

In a further blow to security in the area, the gunmen reportedly made off with three AK-47 rifles seized from the fallen officers.

Their swift escape underscores the boldness and organizational strength of criminal elements operating in the region.

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Aboki Danjuma, reacted promptly to the attack by deploying tactical commanders, supported by military personnel, to the scene.

According to the police press release, all necessary efforts have been initiated to track down the perpetrators and recover the stolen firearms.

The Commissioner assured residents that the security forces are committed to restoring peace and order in the state.

The attack is the latest in a series of violent crimes that have plagued Imo State, raising concerns about the safety of residents and the capacity of security agencies to curb the menace.

Over the past year, there have been multiple reports of ambushes on security personnel, targeted killings, and other violent crimes in the state.

Many of these incidents have been attributed to armed groups seeking to destabilize the region and undermine law enforcement efforts.

DDM gathered from the police press release that CP Aboki Danjuma called on members of the public to provide credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects.

He emphasized that community cooperation is vital in addressing the prevailing security challenges.

As Imo State grapples with this latest tragedy, residents are calling for increased vigilance, improved security infrastructure, and a more robust response to the activities of criminal elements.

The police and other security agencies are under intense pressure to demonstrate their capability to tackle the growing insecurity and restore public confidence in the region’s safety.

The families of the slain officers, Inspector Simon Ogbonna and Inspector Isonh Osudi, are left to mourn their loved ones, who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

Their deaths serve as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel working to protect lives and property in volatile areas.

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