The police command in Abia on Monday confirmed the murder of an inspector, Bala Mohammed, by unknown gunmen in Umuahia.

The command’s spokesman, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

It said another inspector, Dunna Jatau, who was with Mr Mohammed in a vehicle during the attack, escaped with the driver of the vehicle during the attack.

She said the two police officers, Mohammed and Jatau, who were from the Special Protection Unit Base 4, Makurdi, Benue, were assigned to Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing Isiala-Ngwa North/South constituency.

Mr Chinaka said the police officers were on official duty in Umuahia when their vehicle was intercepted by some armed men dressed in black.

“The officers were in a police Toyota Hilux vehicle after accompanying and dropping off Mr Onwusibe 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 while Insp Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack,” she said.

Mr Chinaka said the area was immediately combed by command officers who launched a comprehensive search operation to locate the attackers.

According to her, tactical teams have been deployed to track the fleeing suspects while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Mr Chinaka reiterated the command’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

She called on the public to remain calm, stay security conscious, conduct lawful activities, and report suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station.

(NAN)