Gunmen have attacked the Abia State Commissioner for Trade, Investments, Commerce, and Industry, Dr. Chibueze Ukaegbu, resulting in the death of two mobile policemen.
It was gathered that the attack occurred on Tuesday at Old Express Road by Faulks, near Samek Junction in Aba, the commercial nerve center of Abia State.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the hoodlums ambushed the commissioner while he was returning from a meeting with leaders of various markets in Aba.
The remains of the murdered police officers were deposited in the mortuary, according to a statement from the Director of Media to the Deputy Speaker of Abia.
A video captured on Wednesday morning depicted the aftermath of the attack, showing a police vehicle engulfed in flames and one of the slain officers lying on the ground in a pool of blood.
Onlookers could be heard lamenting the violent act, expressing their concern about the cycle of violence. Someone said, “Whoever kills by the sword will surely die by the sword.”
In response to the incident, a source told Sahara Reporter that hundreds of policemen have taken over the Ariaria International Market, where they are allegedly shooting and harassing innocent traders and residents.
The source said, “Please, help us. This morning, policemen took over Ariaria International Market, shooting and harassing innocent traders because of the unfortunate killing of two police officers yesterday. The innocent traders and residents were not the ones that killed the policemen.
“Nigerian security agencies should stop being cruel when such incidents happen. Nobody is happy with this insecurity.
“If you attack innocent traders and residents, how will they trust you and provide information to the police to help them track criminals? The police should deploy intelligence to fight crime in society.”
Meanwhile, Abia State Police Command has confirmed the attack and condemned the cowardly act. The command assured the public that it remains committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice and called for calm and cooperation from the citizens.
A statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, ASP Maureen Chioma “urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperate fully with law enforcement agencies.
“Any information, regardless of how insignificant it may seem, could prove pivotal in identifying and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.
“In conclusion, we emphasize our unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and upholding the triumph of good over evil”, the statement added.
Watch the video below:
Meanwhile, police have arrested two hoodlums who shot and killed two police operatives who were on a stop and search duty and set their patrol vehicle ablaze in Delta State.