Police officer shot dead as gunmen attack lawmaker’s convoy in Abia

Police confirm ambush, vows to fish out perpetrators

.As Deputy Speaker condemns killing

STEVE UNEGBU, Umuahia

A policeman assigned to a member, House of Representative for Isialangwa North and South Federal Constituency Rt.Hon.Ginger Onwusibe,was reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen.

The incident was said to have occurred around 9 PM in Ubakala area of Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.

Sources within the police explained that gunmen,clad in black and donning police-style armor jackets, ambushed the convoy of the House of Representatives member using a Toyota Corolla.

It was reported that at the time of the attack, the lawmaker was not in the vehicle, but about two police officers and a driver were present in the vehicle during the attack.

“The assailants opened fire on the escorts after identifying themselves as police officers. In the chaos, one officer was killed and another was injured. The gunmen then fled the scene, prompting a return of gunfire from the police station in Ubakala”

Attempts to reach the Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Police Command was unsuccessful. However, police sources indicated that officers are actively pursuing the suspects, who are suspected to be kidnappers.

However, The Commissioner of Police Abia State has confirmed the attack on police officers in Umuahia, Abia State, said the command will ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

In a statement by the Police Public Relations, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said two officers from the Special Protection Unit Base 4, Makurdi Inspector Dunna Jatau and Inspector Bala Mohammed assigned to Honorable Ginger Onwusibe, a Member of the House of Representatives representing the Isialangwa North /South constituency, were ambushed by armed assailants while on official duty in Umuahia, added that while Inspector Bala Mohammed died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds, Inspector Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack.

” On 17/11/2024, at about 20:30 hrs, two police officers, from the Special Protection Unit Base 4 Makurdi, Inspector Dunna Jatau and Inspector Bala Mohammed assigned to Honorable Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Isialangwa Ngwa North /South constituency, were ambushed by armed assailants while on official duty in Umuahia.

” The officers were in a police Toyota Hilux vehicle after accompanying and dropping off the Honorable in Umuahia. On their way, near Umuahia South Local Government Area Secretariat in Ubakala, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black attire, operating in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows.

” The assailants blocked the path of the police vehicle and opened fire. Tragically, insp. Bala Mohammed sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Insp. Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack.

” The area was immediately combed by officers of the command as a comprehensive search operation was launched to locate the attackers.

” Tactical teams have been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects, an investigation into the incident is ongoing”

Meanwhile, the Abia State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm, stay security conscious, go about their activities and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station, while assuring that the perpetrators will not go unpunished.