- Gunmen suspected to be linked to IPOB attacked Okigwe Correctional Farm, killing a police officer and freeing seven inmates
- Prior to the assault, they kidnapped a correctional officer and targeted Senator Patrick Ndubeze’s residence in Imo State
Suspected gunmen affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) launched a brazen attack on the Okigwe Correctional Farm Settlement in Imo State on Monday. During the assault, they fatally shot a police officer and facilitated the escape of seven inmates.
Reports indicate that before the attack, the assailants abducted the correctional service officer overseeing the settlement. Additionally, they targeted the residence of Senator Patrick Ndubeze.
Danjuma Aboki, the Commissioner of Police (CP), swiftly responded to the incident by ordering the immediate deployment of the Command’s Special Tactical Squad to track down the alleged IPOB/ESN operatives responsible for the assault.
In an official statement issued by the Command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, IPOB/ESN was implicated in the attacks on the Correctional Service Farm Settlements in Umualomoke and Senator Patrick Ndubeze’s residence in Okigwe.
The statement attributed the release of seven inmates and the abduction of the officer in charge of the farm settlement, as well as the death of a Police Inspector, to the actions of IPOB/ESN militants.
Furthermore, the CP mandated the special tactical squad operatives to intensify efforts to rescue the unharmed officer in charge of the farm settlement. Additionally, they are tasked with apprehending the fleeing inmates to ensure they face legal consequences for their actions.