Some unknown bandits and hoodlums on Thursday, Oct.21st, 2021, set afire the Isiala Mbano Divisional Police Headquarters in Imo State.
The hoodlums, moreso released detained suspects, amidst the heavy downpour at the same hour. It was verily gathered the bandits clutched explosives and struck at 7 pm.
News recalled that some known gunmen last time precisely on March 19th, 2021 set the same Police Division ablaze.
Aside from freeing suspected persons in detention, the attackers kidnapped one of the female cops on duty.
The hoodlums also kidnapped the President General of Luwe Nneri Autonomous Community, Chima Anwuru, a Legal Practitioner, who owned a Pharmacy Shop at Isinweke at Ihitte- Uboma LGA of Imo State
On arrival last Thursday, the hoodlums reportedly opened fire on the Police Divisional Headquarters before they set the station on fire.
The many Police Officers on duty were said to have scampered for safety as some fled to unknown destinations, whereas the attackers made their success.
An indigene of the area, who pleaded anonymity, said the hoodlums shot repeatedly at the attacked Police Station.
He said, “The gunshots from the gunmen were terrifying. They supervised the burning of the place before they departed. Residents in the area tried to quell the fire to ensure that nobody was caught in it.”
One senior official, who spoke to newsmen, confirmed the incident and disclosed that the authorities had commenced an investigation.
The Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Mike Abattam, in a Press Statement, stated that: Imo Police Repelled Suspected IPOB/ESN Terror Gang who came to attack Isiala Mbano Police Station.
On 21/10/2021 at about 1844 hours, armed bandits suspected to be IPOB/ ESN terror group came to Isiala Mbano Police Station in about five vehicles and three motorcycles threw petrol bombs on the roof of the already damaged building in the Endsars imbroglio and started shooting indiscriminately.
The gallant police operatives attached to the station returned fire, engaging them in a gun duel. They were able to repel the bandits and in the process, they zoomed off in their vehicles and motorcycles.
Due to the gallantry of the police operatives, no arm was lost. The fire was extinguished not after causing some damages to the building.
One of the police operatives who sustained a gunshot injury was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, the command’s tactical teams have been dispatched to the area in pursuit of the bandits and to beef up security in the area.
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Rabiu Hussaini psc, commended the officers and men of the division for their gallantry and urged them to sustain the tempo. He thanked Imolites for their undaunting support and enjoined them to work in synergy with the police and other security agencies to combat crime and protect their police station. Also to assist them with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing bandits.
The press statement was signed by CSP MICHAEL ABATTAM,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE
IMO STATE COMMAND.
