The Imo State Police Command, on Saturday, said it has killed a suspected terrorist masquerading as person going for burial ceremony, along Owerri/Onitsha Road during a gun duel with officers.
The police command also arrested one of the suspects, Odedira Ezuala aged 23yrs, a native of Umudike Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, while others including the motorcyclists, escaped with bullet wounds.
In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Command, Michael Abattam, he said in the bid to search the passengers in the bus, one of suspected terrorists pulled out a Berretta Pistol and in an attempt to shot at the police operatives, he was neutralized which led to a shoot out.
The statement also stated that “while the police command’s tactical teams were on a vigorous and aggressive stop and search operation, suspected gunmen masquerading as persons going for burial ceremony somewhere in the State, approached the Police check point in a convoy of three motorcycles carrying two passengers on each, alongside a passenger bus with registration number Anambra NNE 725 ZG carrying passengers, and displaying in front of the bus, a belated burial poster of late Mrs. Bridget Chine Nwadiozor dated 22/10/2021.
“On seeing the date on the belated poster, the Police operatives became suspicious and flagged them down for routine search. After searching the passengers on the motorcycles and nothing incriminating was seen, they went to the bus.
“The following Items were recovered from the bus: one (1) Police Special Berretta Pistol with breach No.90005 and Ten (10) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) Bus Imo with Reg. No. Anambra NNE 725 ZG and one (1) belated Burial Poster.
“The corpse of the neutralized bandit has been deposited in the Mortuary, while the arrested suspect is presently undergoing interrogation and has made useful statement to the police. Also, he has volunteered to assist the police in the arrest of his gang members that escaped.
“The Commissioner of Police while commending the officers and men for their gallantry urged them to sustain the tempo, he then thanked the good people of Imo State for their unalloyed support and assured them of the command’s synergy with other security agencies in ensuring that the yuletide season is crime free.
“He also advised them to be wary of the people living around them and to report any suspicious activities observed within their neighborhood or any person(s) seen with bullet wounds to the nearest police station or call the command’s emergency numbers 08034773600 or 08098880197.”