Tragedy struck on Sunday in Okigwe, Imo State, as gunmen ambushed and killed two police officers attached to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro.
Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred when the lawmaker’s convoy encountered a mechanical fault, leaving the officers temporarily behind while the rest of the entourage proceeded.
“One of the vehicles developed a mechanical fault, causing the policemen to remain behind as the rest of the convoy continued the journey,” a witness recounted.
“It was during this delay that the gunmen attacked and killed the officers.”
The identities of the slain officers were yet to be disclosed at the time of filing this report.
Reacting to the incident, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, confirmed the attack and assured that the command had launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“There is no hiding place for those behind this heinous crime,” Okoye said.
“The bodies of the officers, who paid the supreme price in the line of duty, have been evacuated to a morgue, and a thorough investigation is underway.”
The ambush has sparked renewed concerns over the safety of law enforcement officers and public officials amid persistent insecurity in parts of the South-East.
Security agencies have been urged to intensify patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts to forestall further attacks and bring the assailants to justice.
