By BABARA KALU, Owerri –
Operatives of the Imo State Police Command have reportedly killed no fewer than 6 bandits during a gun duel attack in Oru East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Tuesday, The Imo State Police Commissioner Abutu Yaro, said the police operatives repelled the attack and killed six of the bandits, while 11 were arrested.
He said that tactical teams of the command had been mobilised to comb the communities in the area to arrest other bandits who fled into the bush.
“According to the Area Commander, ACP Benjamin Abang of Omuma Area Command, the bandits were sighted moving in convoy into Omuma town”.
“The area commander immediately alerted the tactical teams of the command who swung into action. They (teams) ambushed and launched a surprised attack on the convoy of the bandits which resulted in the neutralizing of six of the bandits, while 11 of them were arrested”.
“Unfortunately, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Fatmann Dooiyor, paid the supreme price.
“The teams recovered the three vehicles abandoned by the bandits, including two Toyota Highlander SUV vehicles with registration numbers Abia MBL517AT and LAGOS JJJ984EL.
“Presently, the command’s tactical teams and special forces led by ACP Evans Shem are combing the bush for possible arrest of the bandits that fled into the bush,’’ the commissioner said.
He warned bandits to keep off the state or face dire consequences.