From Tony John, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has expressed sadness over the death of its personnel, who was shot dead by gunmen in Port Harcourt.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), disclosed that the officer died in active service.
The PPRO said some policemen, who were on a stop-and-search operation, where ambushed by gunmen who rode in a carton-coloured Sienna bus.
She expressed: “We are deeply saddened to announce a heinous incident that occurred on 21st February, 2024, involving an attack on policemen attached to Operation Sting of the Rivers State Police Command.
“At approximately 21:45hrs, while conducting routine stop and search at Eliozu flyover, the officers were ambushed by unidentified hoodlums operating in a carton-colored Sienna bus, with fully tinted glasses. The registration number of the vehicle remains unknown at this time.
“The assailants drove in from the Rumuodumaya axis, opened fire on the police team, resulting in the tragic loss of one Inspector who valiantly gave his life in the line of duty undeterred.”
According to her, the police team responded with bravery, engaging the attackers and managing to gun down one of them with mask on his face, while others managed to escape, potentially sustaining gunshot wounds.
The PPRO said the Command has launched a thorough investigation into this despicable act and has already identified the group responsible for the dastardly act.
She said: “Rest assured, we will relentlessly pursue these criminals and bring them to justice. No amount of intimidation will hinder our officers’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
“It is important to emphasize that such acts of aggression against security forces detrimentally impact the safety and security of our entire society.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to maintain peace and protect the well-being of the populace.
Iringe-Koko added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has reiterated that those who perpetrate violence against policemen or any citizen will face the full weight of the law.
The command urged law-abiding citizens to continue with their daily activities without panic, assuring that the Force was determined to uphold their mandate of preserving lives and property in the face of such challenges.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of the fallen inspector, and we assure them that his sacrifice will not be in vain. Our resolve to serve and protect remains unwavering as we stand together against those who seek to disrupt the peace and harmony of our society.”