- Upon reaching the camp entrance, the individuals associated with IPOB/ESN engaged the security team in a gunfire exchange
- During the confrontation, one member of IPOB/ESN was fatally shot, while others managed to flee with varying gunshot injuries
The Ebonyi State Police Command confirmed the death of a member affiliated with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) during a confrontation with security forces.
This incident occurred following a raid on the group’s hideout based on credible intelligence.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, it was revealed that a tactical team from the Command, in collaboration with the military and the Department of State Service (DSS), conducted the operation at the group’s camp in Ekeagbebor Isu, Onicha local government area.
Upon reaching the camp entrance, the individuals associated with IPOB/ESN engaged the security team in a gunfire exchange. During the confrontation, one member of IPOB/ESN was fatally shot, while others managed to flee with varying gunshot injuries.
Furthermore, the PPRO stated that two other members of the group, identified as Emmanuel Chinedu (alias Patho), aged 26, and Paul Ani (alias Osah), aged 38, were apprehended by the security agents.
“During the ensuing gun duel, one of the police operatives sustained bullet wound injury on one of his legs and was rushed to the hospital where he is responding to treatment and recuperating,” the PPRO noted.
She stated that the IPOB/ESN’s camp/shrine was completely destroyed during the operation.
The Police spokesperson also confirmed the arrest of another IPOB/ESN member, one Chidi Chukwu ‘m’ aged 31yrs by members of Agba community in Ishielu LGA of the State when he was trying to flee the community and was thereafter handed over to the Police.
SP Onovwakpoyeya stated that the State Police Commissioner has appealed to all hospitals, traditional medicine homes, chemists and all Ebonyians to report anyone seeking medical attention with bullet injuries to the nearest Police station.