An attempt to raze the ‘B’ Divisional Headquarters of the police and State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Awka, has been foiled by men of the Police Force.
The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Owolabi who spoke at a press conference in Awka on Monday said the hoodlums operating in three Toyota Hilux vans launched “coordinated and simultaneous attacks” at both the police divisional headquarters and INEC office. He said, “The hoodlums had attacked the police division as a decoy, then proceeded to nearby INEC office where they attempted to set ablaze the main headquarters building.”
However, he noted that with the help of the police and other security agencies “who quickly mobilized to the scene forcing them to scamper for safety, with many sustaining gunshot wounds as revealed by blood trails in the surrounding bushes.” The hoodlums were said to have razed seven INEC vehicles and part of the store building using an improvised explosive device (IED) thrown into the premises. The explosive ordinance lobbed into the police station partially burnt the Charge Room, but was quickly extinguished. Despite these, the police Owolabi revealed that no casualty was recorded.
The commissioner was accompanied by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, South East, Joseph Egbunike and other senior officers visited the scenes for on-the-spot assessment. Items recovered were six pump-action guns, one AK-47 rifle, and one type 06 rifle each, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), 50 cartridges, charms, expended ammunition, police berrets and boots, public address system, tricycle and three Toyota Hilux vehicles.
He therefore reiterated that plans are ongoing to ensure that the fleeing suspects are apprehended. He further pleaded for public support and any person seen with bullet wounds through police emergency number 07039194332 or to the nearest police station.
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