At least two police officers were killed in an attack on a patrol van along the historic Gariki Road in Okigwe Local Government Area, Imo State, by gunmen who had been thought to be insurgents.

OHAFIATV News obtained a Saturday Telegraph report, which stated that MOPOL 18 Owerri men were ambushed during a patrol in the early hours of Saturday.

According to reports, the gunmen engaged the officers in a protracted gunfight after throwing dynamite on their patrol car. They were believed to be part of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

It was discovered that four officers had multiple injuries and two had died during the procedure.

The attack and horrific murder of Mopol 18 Owerri personnel by gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) has been condemned, according to Imo Police spokesman Henry Okoye, who confirmed the incident.

“The disgruntled elements ambushed the officers in the early hours of today, March 23, 2024, while they were on patrol along old Gariki Road Okigwe. They threw dynamite on the officer’s patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight.” Four officers survived the onslaught, but two officers paid the ultimate price in the process.

He added that personnel of the Command’s Special Tactical Unit were sent to the crime scene right away for an evaluation by the police head and Commanders Mopol 18 and 64. The members were then tasked with working with other security services to pursue the attackers.