The Imo police command says members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are behind the killing of Ahmed Gulak, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
OBSERVERS TIMES recall that Gulak, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was killed on Sunday in Owerri, Imo state capital while returning to Abuja.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bala Elkana, Imo state police spokesperson, said intelligence response team (IRT), police mobile force (PMF) and tactical units from the command trailed and killed the attackers who were identified as members of IPOB and the Eastern Security Network — an IPOB security outfit.
He said the three vehicles, one pistol, five AK-47 magazines, three AK-47 rifles, and 92 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the attackers.
“The teams were given a clear instruction to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the act with a view of bringing them to justice,” he said.
“Eyewitness account, especially the account given by the Driver of the vehicle that was conveying Ahmed Gulak to the Airport before the attack, gave a vivid description of the assailants and the vehicles they used in carrying out the attack.
“The assailants were said to have used a Toyota Camry 2005 model with silver color; Toyota Sienna 1998 Model with golden color; Toyota Hilux with white color; and a Lexus RX 330 with golden Color. (Registration numbers are withheld for security reasons).
“Having established the identity of the assailants and the description of the vehicles used in carrying out the attack, the teams further got details of the direction the hoodlums have taken.
“With further leads, the team was able to establish the location of suspects. The suspects were rounded up at Afor Enyiogugu junction in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area.
“The hoodlums were met distributing onions to locals from a trailer they confiscated. The trailer was loaded with Onions from the Northern region of Nigeria.
“On sighting the Police, the hoodlums providing security coverage to those sharing the onions opened fire on the Police teams. The gallant and battle-ready Police Officers swiftly returned the fire
“The six hoodlums who carried out the killings and four other members of their gang were fatally injured. Three out of the four vehicles used in attacking Gulak were recovered.
“Three AK 47 Rifles, one Pistol, five AK 47 magazines with ninety two rounds of live ammunition and criminal charms were recovered. The assailants were identified as members of the proscribed IPOB and ESN.
“The driver who drove late Ahmed Gulak and a co- victim who survived have all identified the dead body of the IPOB/ESM members positively as their attackers and also identified the three vehicles recovered as those used by the attackers.
“During the encounter, two of the police armored personnel carriers (APC) were riddled with bullets but survived the gun battle.”
Abutu Yaro, police commissioner in Imo, commended the officers for the successful operation and asked them to do more in protecting lives and property in the state.