The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Imo state command has confirmed the death of one, in the Tuesday attack by unknown gunmen at the Amaifeke palace of Eze Emmanuel Okeke, the chairman of the Council of Imo Traditional Rulers, Orlu LGA.
ASP Henry Okoye, The command’s spokesperson in a Thursday statement revealed that the deceased was a local security operative who died shortly after the incident from gunshot wounds he sustained while combating the hoodlums.
Okoye further revealed that before the arrival of the police whose presence foiled the attack which was directed at the traditional ruler, several persons were severely injured.
The statement reads:
“Police operatives of Orlu divisional headquarters in a joint operation with the local vigilantes of Amaifeke ancient Kingdom, Orlu on 18/07/2023 at about 1415hrs foiled attempts to invade the palace of the chairman Council of Imo Traditional Rulers, the traditional ruler of Amaifeke Ancient Kingdom, HRH Eze Emmanuel Okeke at Amaifeke in Orlu LGA of Imo state.
“The hoodlums came in their numbers shooting sporadically and fighting their way into the palace but were given a stiff resistance by police operatives and local vigilantes who professionally took vantage positions and engaged the hoodlums in a protracted gun duel.
“The stiff resistance by the joint security operatives forced the hoodlums to flee with gunshot wounds while two vigilantes were shot by the hoodlums.
“Unfortunately, one of them died while receiving medical attention, while the other is in stable condition. On combing the adjourning bushes, blood stains
were seen, which evidentially suggested that the hoodlums were fatally hit.
“The state Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Ahmed Barde has urged Amaifeke residents not to panic as adequate security
measures are in place to forestall future attacks.
“More so, the CP beckons the general public, particularly owners of hospitals and first-aid outlets, to swiftly report persons seen with or treating gunshot injury in the state to
the nearest police station.
“Residents and members of the public should do well to call the command’s emergency numbers (08034773600 or 08098880197).”