The Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 13 male suspects linked to a violent attack on police operatives in Akpakume community, Udi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred on Monday when officers were deployed to apprehend individuals allegedly involved in conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms, and cult-related activities.
Ndukwe explained in a statement released on Wednesday that the suspects and their accomplices had laid an ambush for the officers, opening fire on them and leaving some injured while also damaging a police operational vehicle.
“The operatives, however, swiftly responded with superior firepower, forcing many of the criminal elements to flee with varying degrees of severe gunshot injuries. One locally made single-barrelled gun was recovered during the arrest,” Ndukwe stated.
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He further disclosed that the gunfire also shattered the headlights of the police vehicle and damaged other vehicles in the vicinity.
Meanwhile, PUNCH Metro reports that the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, on Tuesday led a team of senior officers to Akpakume community for an on-the-spot assessment of the damage caused by the assailants.
During the visit, Ndukwe noted that it was discovered that the hoodlums had “wilfully destroyed houses, shops, and other property, including crops and livestock belonging to members of the community.”
He added that preliminary investigations revealed the attacks were connected to an ongoing intra-communal conflict in the area.
While ordering a manhunt for the fleeing suspects, CP Giwa urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them of the command’s commitment to restoring peace.
He reaffirmed that the police “will stop at nothing to ensure that all those involved in the attack and other related criminal activities in the area are brought to justice.”