The Imo State police command says it’s intensifying security operations in Ihiagwa, Eziobodo, and neighbouring communities in the Owerri West Local Government Area following a failed abduction attempt that left one person injured.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, the incident occurred on Wednesday night along the Umuokwo Ihiagwa/Eziobodo Road, where suspected gunmen reportedly attempted to abduct a resident before they were repelled by security operatives and members of the community.
He said the attack was foiled through the swift intervention of police operatives, local vigilante groups, and residents who mobilised in large numbers to resist the assailants.
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According to the statement, the victim sustained a gunshot injury during the incident and was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
The statement reads in part, “Preliminary reports indicate that the assailants attempted to abduct a victim but were successfully resisted through the prompt intervention and collaborative efforts of Police operatives, local vigilante groups, and members of the community who mobilised swiftly and in large numbers, thereby frustrating the criminal operation.”
Following the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, ordered the deployment of the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit alongside other tactical and intelligence teams to strengthen security in the area.
Bosso also directed a manhunt for the perpetrators and assured residents of their safety, noting that coordinated intelligence-driven operations were ongoing to apprehend those involved in the attack.
The command stated that security measures had been reinforced across the affected communities to prevent a recurrence.
Residents were urged to remain calm and vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the emergency lines provided by the command.
The police reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property while intensifying proactive policing efforts across the state.
