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IGP Blames IPOB For Owerri Attacks, Calls For Help
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu, has blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB for the attack on the Owerri prison and the Imo State Police Command headquarters, Owerri.
The IGP has also charged Imo and Igbo leaders to speak out against the attacks as he called on citizens to help the police with information that can lead to the arrest of the attackers.
The IGP has also ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State to strengthen security in the State and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.
GreenWhiteGreen GWG had reported the attack on the two facilities on Monday morning of April 5, 2021.
A statement issued by force spokesman, Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba said that preliminary investigations showed that the attackers came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
The IGP said that the attackers in Owerri were members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He said:
IGP Blames IPOB For Owerri Attacks
“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armoury.
“The armoury is thus intact! Similarly, the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder.
“Meanwhile, one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is currently being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations.”
The IGP, who condemned the attack on the security outfits, has further directed the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command and a new Special Investigation Team (specifically set up to deal with cases of incessant attacks on security formation/operatives in the region), to carry out holistic investigations into the incident with a view to fishing-out the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.
“The CP is to harness the security reinforcement squads and other operational assets at his disposal to take the battle to the door-steps of the attackers and prevent any further attack anywhere within the State and its environs.
The IGP, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of our nation, has enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.
“The IGP calls on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals. He vowed that the perpetrators will be brought to book, noting that the Force is doing all within its powers to curb the activities of unscrupulous elements hell-bent on threatening the unity, safety, security, and socio-economic wellbeing of Nigerians.”
Despite the accusation against IPOB by the IGP, GreenWhiteGreen GWG reports that IPOB had earlier denied any role in the Owerri attacks saying that it is a peaceful group.
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