Gunmen have launched series of attacks across Owerri, the Imo state capital, on Wednesday.
On Monday, they had killed four policemen and a Point Of Sale, POS Operator at Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area.
On Tuesday, there were reports of a State government owned waste disposal truck set ablaze by the gunmen and one person killed during fresh attacks at Amawire, Orji and Nkwo Orji respectovely in Owerri North LGA.
The Imo State Police Command Spokesperson, Henry Okoye, stated that the hoodlums have adopted a “guerilla-style strategy” of surprise attacks and quick retreats.
Residents of Owerri were thrown in a state of panic as sporadic gunshots were reported on Wednesday in areas like Ikenegbu, Imo State University (IMSU) back gate, Wetheral Road, Amawusa, and Toronto axis.
Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, has launched a head-on attack on the suspected gunmen, vowing to apprehend them “dead or alive.”
Okoye assured that the Command is on top of the situation and will deal with the miscreants responsible for the attacks and killing of security operatives and innocent civilians.
He urged Imolites to report any suspicious persons or activities to the Police, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to restore peace in the state.
Intensive operations are ongoing to restore normalcy, with a shootout between Police and the gunmen already reported.