Two police officers were shot and killed by unidentified gunmen in Imo State, a region South east that has been experiencing rising insecurity.
The incident took place on Sunday, August 3, along the Okigwe Axis in Okigwe Local Government Area.
The deceased officers were assigned to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Kingsley Ikoro.
A police officer, who requested to remain anonymous, stated that Ikoro, the representative of Afikpo North-West in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, was on a journey with the officers when one of their vehicles experienced a mechanical failure.
The two officers stayed behind to find a mechanic while the lawmaker continued his journey in another vehicle.
“While they were waiting, some armed men ambushed them and opened fire. The officers died instantly,” He said.
The police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and the deaths of the officers.
He stated that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has initiated a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The commissioner has directed the deployment of tactical and operational units to ensure the hoodlums are caught and prosecuted,” he said.
Police are currently combing the nearby bushes to track down the attackers.
The bodies of the slain officers have been recovered and taken to a morgue.
Security in Imo State, like other states in the South-east, has worsened recently with frequent attacks by armed groups.
These attacks often target security personnel, government officials, and public infrastructure.
The latest incident follows multiple attacks less than two weeks ago in Ideato North Local Government Area, where several people were killed and many others injured.
The Nigerian government has repeatedly blamed the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the violence in the region, though the group denies involvement.
IPOB advocates for the creation of an independent Biafra state, which would include parts of the South east and South south regions of Nigeria.
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