Gunmen launched an attack on the Police Rapid Response Squad facility in Owerrinta, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia State early Monday morning, resulting in the death of a female detainee. The incident, which occurred along the Umuahia-Aba Federal Expressway, was reportedly an attempt by the assailants to liberate detainees from the station.
According to the Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, the attackers arrived at the station in three Hilux vehicles shortly after midnight and immediately opened fire on the facility. In a statement regarding the incident, he said, “On that day, there was an attack on our facility at Owerrinta shortly after midnight. The assailants arrived in about three Hilux vehicles and opened fire on our facility.”
Despite efforts by police personnel to repel the attack, the assailants managed to use dynamite to blow off part of the facility’s roof. During the exchange, they fired shots in an attempt to gain access to the detainees, ultimately leading to the tragic death of a female suspect.
Following the incident, the police quickly responded by implementing technical tracking methods, which led to the arrest of one of the attackers. The apprehended individual is now in police custody, where he is undergoing interrogation to assist authorities in identifying additional accomplices involved in the assault. Commissioner Isa emphasized that the investigation is progressing steadily, and the police are determined to bring all those responsible to justice.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges in parts of the country, with law enforcement agencies facing the daunting task of safeguarding facilities and detainees amid a rising wave of armed attacks.
