How Police Invaded Alleged ESN Hideout, Killed, Arrested Suspects In Ebonyi

According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Chris Anyanwu, the camp which is suspected to be a hideout of the group was discovered at Isu community in Onicha Local Government Area of the state during a joint operation with sister security agencies on Monday.

Anyanwu while speaking to journalists in Abakiliki, the state capital said they also arrested two notorious native doctors in connection with attacks on police facilities.

They are; Itumo Edeh Omukwor (63), and Irem Ogbeji Nwaduma (50), from Okpera Osege in Ndufu Echara Ikwo LGA of the state.

"A joint operation of the Ebonyi State Police Command Tactical Operation Teams, the Military and DSS embarked on an operation to dislodge criminals hibernating at a camp at Isu Onicha.

"This was sequel to an attack on a Police patrol team yesterday evening during which a Police officer was murde-red in cold blood by the hoodlums.

"While surveying the one-way route into the camp, the combined security forces were ambushed by the hoodlums who rained sporadic bullet shots in their direction.

"In a swift and spontaneous response, the joint team engaged the hoodlums in a counter-firing that lasted over 30 minutes and neutralized them.

"As a result of the superior fire power of the joint team, some of the hoodlums with bullet-wounds scampered for escape in different directions. The team later combed the bush and recovered two AK-47 rifles with a few rounds of their ammunition and three corpses of the assailants.

"The team made their way to the main enclave of the miscreants and after a thorough ransacking, recovered more exhibits,ÔÇØ he said.

Items recovered from the suspects include; one AK-49 rifle breech number 1984-AM1196, one AK-47 rifle breech number 1971-DF2726, one AR rifle with illegible breech number, 147 rounds of AR ammunition, 38 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, one locally fabricated double-barreled pistol.

Also, two walkies-talkie sets and their chargers, two charm-like substances, one hospital card, one Diamond Bank ATM card, two National ID cards, and one Techno phone battery and other incriminating items.

"Two of the criminals were fatally wounded and were confirmed dead at the hospital,ÔÇØ the PPRO said.