By Emma Obe
The identities of the policemen killed by unknown gunmen at joint task force and Customs checkpoints in Rivers State on Sunday have been revealed.
Police gave the identity of the policemen as Inspector Edwin Emmanuel, Inspector Afolabi Festus, Inspector Henry Okwo, and Zakari Bako.
The two air force personnel were ACM Onyebuchi Samuel and Muhammed Adamu. The three Customs officers were ASC M.B. Mohammed, AIC M.A. Adamu, and AIC M. Mohammed. Police Inspector Monday Baba, who was injured in the attack was rushed to the hospital.
The police lost five AK47 rifles, while the customs lost two Hilux Pickup vans to the attackers. The attackers were repelled at the Isiokpo Area Command by vigilant policemen on duty.
The three customs personnel were buried at the Trailer Park cemetery at Eleme, according to Jerry Atah, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Operations Unit of the Nigerian Customs Service, Owerri.
Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said the Commissioner of Police had directed an investigation into the attacks
Meanwhile Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has described the attack on the security personnel as barbaric. Governor Wike said there was no justification for such an attack on security personnel on legitimate duty protecting lives and property.
He offered his condolences to the security agencies and families of the deceased and asked the security agencies to be vigilant.
The Chairman of Ikwerre Local Government, in whose domain the attacks took place, said the people were still in shock. He said, “I want to say clearly that what happened yesterday was an unfortunate incident and Ikwerre Local Government people condemn it totally. And we sympathise with the families of those who lost their lives, gallant officers who had been working hard to maintain the peace and security in the Ikwerre local government area.
“I can tell you that that surprise won’t happen again. The local communities and local hunters are standing with the security agents. I can assure you that by the grace of God it won’t happen again. He accused IPOB of that attack saying it was a reprisal attack by IPOB members who lost their members in an attack by security operatives in Imo State.
“Information coming to us is that the attack is coming from members of IPOB, who claimed that they are avenging the death of one of their leaders that was killed in Owerri. They raided the checkpoints from Elele to Omagwa.
Observe COVID protocols strictly or we’ll be forced to shut down-Wike
“Ikwerre Local government is safe for people to live and do business. The checkpoints are back. Men of the Nigeria police and army have taken over the checkpoints. Two burnt corpses were recovered at the JTF checkpoint and three at the Customs checkpoints. A rifle was stolen from the JTF and two Hilux vans were taken from the customs checkpoint. The suspects attempted to attack the Isiokpo Area Police Command but were repelled”
