Gunmen Attack Police Officers in Abia, Kill One

The Abia State Police Command has launched an investigation after gunmen ambushed two police officers, killing one, during an attack in Umuahia on Sunday night. The officers, Inspectors Dunna Jatau and Bala Mohammed, were attached to the Special Protection Unit Base 4, Makurdi, and were returning from escorting Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency.

According to a statement released Monday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, the officers were in a police Toyota Hilux vehicle when they were intercepted near the Umuahia South Local Government Area Secretariat in Ubakala. The assailants, dressed in black attire and operating a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows, blocked their path and opened fire. Inspector Bala Mohammed was fatally wounded and died at the scene, while Inspector Dunna Jatau and the driver managed to escape.

The police confirmed that tactical teams have been deployed to track the attackers, and a search operation is underway to locate the suspects. The command emphasized its commitment to ensuring justice for the fallen officer.

This incident follows another violent attack in the state last Wednesday, where two soldiers were killed at an army checkpoint at the Imo/Abia boundary in Ekenobizi, Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging the public to provide any information that could assist in apprehending the culprits.