Ebonyi Police Shut Dead 3 Suspected ESN Members In Gunfire At Onicha

By Alo David, Abakaliki Sequel to an attack on a patrol team, Ebonyi Police Command has Tuesday , May 31st, 2022 confirmed the killing of three suspected members of Eastern Security Network (ESN) during a gunfire at Isu, Onicha LGA of the State.

According to the state Spokesperson,SP Chris Anyanwu noted that the operation was carried out by joint tactical team involving the military and DSS who through intelligence raided the camp of the militia group of the Indigenous People of Biafra where three were left dead with weapons recovered. The Police spokesman, hinted that the raid was a sequel to an attack on a Police patrol team on Monday evening during which a Police officer was murdered in cold blood by the hoodlums.

"Based on intelligence at the Police Command’s disposal, the hoodlums were trailed to a camp at Isu Onicha LGA. “While surveying the one-way route into the camp, the combined security forces were ambushed by the hoodlums who rained sporadic bullet shots in their direction. He added, “In a swift and spontaneous response, the joint team engaged the hoodlums in a counter-firing that lasted over 30 minutes and neutralized them. “As a result of the superior firing power of the joint team, some of the hoodlums with bullet wounds scampered for escape in different directions. “The team later combed the bush and recovered two AK rifles with a few rounds of their ammunition and three corpses of the assailants”. “The team made their way to the main enclave of the miscreants and after a thorough ransacking, recovered more exhibits,” he said. Some of the items recovered after the operation include one AK-49 rifle breech number 1984-AM1196, One AK-47 rifle breech number 1971-DF2726, and One AR rifle with an illegible breach number, One hundred and forty-seven (147) rounds of AR ammunition, and Thirty-eight (38) rounds of AK-47 ammunition. Others include, “One locally fabricated double-barrelled pistol, Two walkie-talkie sets and their chargers, Two charm-like substances, One hospital card, One Diamond bank ATM card, Two National ID cards, One Techno phone battery, and other incriminating items. Anyanwu said the fatally wounded gunmen were confirmed dead at the hospital and added that efforts are still ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members. He also revealed that the police also raided the shrine and residences of two notorious native doctors in Ikwo local government area. He gave the names of the native doctors as Itumo Omukwor, aged 63-year and Irem Ogbeji Nwaduma, aged 50-year, all of Okpera Osage in Ndufu Echara Ikwo LGA, of the state. The state Spokesperson, further said that one locally fabricated pistol, one revolver pump action gun with two cartridges and substances believed to be charms were recovered from them. He explained that the duo were arrested in connection to the incessant attacks on Police formations/personnel and government establishments. He said that the native doctors were suspected to be responsible for preparing charms for members of the criminal groups in the state. “The Police Command advises all medical practitioners and hospital operators to report any case of patients with bullet injuries to the police for necessary actions. “Members of the public are hereby implored to assist the Police with relevant information about the activities of the criminals and their hideouts and be assured of utmost protection of their identities.