Unknown gunmen have shot dead a police Inspector and injured others attached to the Rivers State Police Command in Port Harcourt, during an ambush, reports thegazellenews.com
Swift response by the police team also led to the death of one of the gunmen while others escaped with injuries.
A statement by the spokesperson for the command, Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that the incident occured on Wednesday, 21 February, 2024 in the Rivers State capital.
Thegazellenews.com learnt that at about 9.45pm on Wednesday, 21 February, 2024, the unidentified men in a tinted carton-coloured Sienna bus ambushed and attacked the policemen attached Operation Sting at Eliozu flyover in Port Harcourt.
“The assailants, drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty.
“The police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to neutralize one of them with mask on his face, while the others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.
The Command has launched a thorough investigation into this despicable act and has already identified the group responsible. Rest assured, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to justice. No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens,” the statement said.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu reiterated that those who perpetrate violence against policemen or any citizen will face the full weight of the law.
“We urge all law-abiding citizens to continue with their daily activities without panic, as we are determined to uphold our mandate of preserving lives and property in the face of such challenges.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain. Our resolve to serve and protect remains unwavering as we stand together against those who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society,” the statement concluded.