Enugu: DSS Operatives Among 4 Killed In IPOB Clash

The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed four deaths following Sunday’s clash between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and security operatives at Emene in Enugu. According to the commissioner of police, Enugu State, CP Ahmad AbdurRahman, two operatives of the Department of State Security were among those killed.

CP AbdurRahman, while briefing newsmen Sunday evening, said, “Following credible information received on 23/08/2020, at about 0830hrs, that suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) numbering over 500 had gone on rampage, blocking and burning tyres on the road, after abducting operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS), police operatives, led by Enugu Metro Area commander, were immediately deployed to rescue the adopted operatives and restore normalcy.”

He said on getting to the scene, the police operatives, who were joined by those of DSS, Army and Air Force, came under serious gunfire attacks by the hoodlums, explaining that, “They responded and in the ensuing gun duel, two of the hoodlums were gunned down, while some of them escaped with bullets wounds. The hoodlums had already macheted and gruesomely killed a young man, set another ablaze, while also attacking houses of police personnel in the area before the police reinforcement got to the scene.”

CP AbdurRaham advised residents of the state to embrace peace, or be ready to face the full weight of the law. In his words, “IPOB is a proscribed organisation in Nigeria. Therefore, they should desist from militancy and become good citizens of this country. Otherwise, we must get them arrested and bring them before the law. They have two options: either to rescind their militancy and live peacefully or leave Enugu State for us, or they will not have peace as long as they remain in Enugu State. To the good citizens of the state, I assure them that the police, in collaboration with our sister security agencies, will not allow them to get molested. We must be on our toes until militancy is obliterated from Enugu ground. I warn hospitals and medical service providers against rejecting anyone seeking medical attention from bullet wounds, but they should treat and duly notify the command of such persons by calling the following hotlines: 08032003702, 08086671202, 08075390883 or 08098880172.”

DSS Confirms Death Of Operatives

Meanwhile, the authorities of the DSS have confirmed the death of their two operatives during the skirmishes. According to a release by the DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, “The Service lost two personnel in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack launched by IPOB on the team. The Service hereby condoles with families of the departed officers and also prays for the repose of their souls.

“However, all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in this dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. Consequently, a full scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident. Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore urges law-abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear.”