The Nigeria Police Abia State Command has confirmed the killing of an Inspector of Police and five other persons in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia, during a deadly attack on a police patrol team on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Maureen Chinaka, reported the incident through the command’s official platform. Chinaka affirmed that three civilians and an Inspector of Police, Shehu Oyibo, passed on during a gunfight that occurred between the unidentified gunmen and the patrol team, while two of the criminals were neutralised.

She identified the three civilians killed as Chika Godliveth, a male; Onyenaturuchi Jonah, a 32-year-old man from Item, Abia; and Eniobong Godsgift Clement, an 18-year-old woman from Akwa Ibom.

The PPRO confirmed that the three civilians died from gunshot wounds inflicted by the attackers. She also noted that other members of the assailant group managed to escape, though they sustained bullet wounds themselves.

The PPRO added that the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the mortuary, and police have also launched an investigation into the incident to apprehend the gunmen who escaped.

Chinaka assured the public of their safety, urging them to go about their lawful activities without fear. She said that police officers had been sent to key areas throughout the state to safeguard residents and their belongings.

“The police also urged residents of Abia (Abians) to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially people with gunshot wounds, to the nearest police station,” she concluded.