IMO, Nigeria – Ngor Okpala Local Government Area in Imo State witnessed another day of escalating violence and bloodshed, as unknown gunmen ambushed and killed two police officers on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
This comes merely a month after a similarly horrific attack at the same location resulted in the deaths of five policemen and a local couple.
“Only two policemen paid the supreme prize,” confirmed Henry Okoye, the police spokesman for the command, refuting claims that up to seven officers were killed during the attack.
According to eyewitness accounts reported by an online news platform, the gunmen opened fire on the police officers at a checkpoint along the Aba Road in Okpala.
The attack resulted not only in the death of two officers but also injured another, further escalating tensions in the beleaguered area.
Earlier this year in March, five officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were also tragically murdered in Ngor Okpala LGA, highlighting a severe security challenge in the region.
The resurgence of violence has triggered a mass exodus, as locals desert homes and businesses, seeking safety amidst the uncertainty.
Okoye stated that the gunmen engaged in a gun duel with “the vigilant policemen on duty.”
He further noted that the blood-stained vehicle abandoned by the gunmen had been found, which was presumably one of their operating vehicles.
In a bid to reassure the local populace and regain control, Okoye claimed that police operatives had taken command of the area.
“Our focus now is to instill confidence in our people and ensure they are safe,” he said, adding, “We are also intensifying efforts to locate the culprits.”
Despite the police’s assurances, the persistent acts of violence leave a cloud of fear and uncertainty over the area.
As the body count rises and trust in the local security forces wanes, the people of Imo State look toward a resolution, hoping for an end to the bloodshed.
