The operatives of the Imo State Police Command on Monday shot dead one person while repelling attack by hoodlums on the palace of the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Community, Orlu Local Government Area of the state, Eze Emmanuel Okeke.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Michael Abattam, the operatives working in synergy with the vigilance group in the area repelled the attempt to set the palace ablaze.
Abattam accused members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) of carrying out the attack on the palace.
He said the hoodlums who swooped on the palace armed with assorted weapons were overwhelmed by the police operatives who neutralized one of the attackers, while others fled the scene.
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Abattam further disclosed that on searching the neutralized bandit, the police found his body laced with charms.
According to the PPRO, other items also recovered by the police included an identity card, one locally made improvised explosive device, five bottles containing fuel, a cash of N20,000.00 and one pump action gun with four live cartridges.
He said; ”Today, the 3rd of January, 2022 at about 0100hrs, the strategy paid off as the Command’s tactical teams working in synergy with vigilante Group of the area were able to repel the attack/attempt to set the palace of Eze Imo, HRH Eze Dr E. C. Okeke on fire by men suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN group at Ezioha Amaifeke in Orlu LGA of Owerri, lmo state.
“The hoodlums, in their numbers besieged the palace of the traditional ruler armed with assorted weapons but were subdued by the superior fire-power of the Command’s tactical teams and in the process one of the hoodlums was neutralised. While others fled into the bush with bullet injuries .
“On searching the body of the neutralised bandit, several charms were seen tied round his waist. Other items also recovered include One ID Card; One locally made IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES; five bottles containing fuel; cash of N20,000.00 (twenty thousand naira) only and One Pump Action Gun with four live cartridges”.
Abattam said the police were at present combing surrounding bushes with a view to arresting the fleeing members of the gang and to recover more arms and other dangerous weapons.
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