Anambra state Police Command on Wednesday disclosed that it lost five officers while two others were injured by hoodlums under the guise of the ENDSARS protest in the state last week.
The state Commissioner of Police (CP), John Abang made the disclosure at the command headquarters, Amawbia, while parading 17 suspects arrested for looting and malicious damage to government/ private properties in the state during protests last week.
He said 11 police stations and 20 vehicles belonging to the command were also burnt in the mayhem.
He said,” It is now common knowledge that hoodlums acting under the guise of “ENDSARS” protest attacked Police Stations in some parts of the state which resulted into loss of lives, looting and wanton destruction of properties.
“The hoodlums set ablaze 11 police stations; burnt over 20 vehicles including patrol & exhibit vehicles and an armoured personnel carrier . They also vandalized six other police stations and carted away motorcycles kept as exhibits.
“In the course of these heinous acts, the hoodlums murdered four police officers including the Divisional Police Officer , Osumenyi Division, CSP Akpan Joseph, ASP Agu Micheal, the Station Officer , Osumenyi Division and a young PC Udegbunam Sunday Celestine leaving two others injured.
” In their state of callousness, the hoodlums also murdered and beheaded Inspector John Oche attached to the Anti- Cult Unit and burnt his body to ashes parading the streets with the deceased policeman’s head.
“In addition to attacking police formations, other government and private facilities such as the Revenue House, Ocha Brigade office and private trucks loaded with goods were attacked and valuable properties looted.
“Despite concerted efforts by the hoodlums to create a state of lawlessness in the state, the command stood its ground and repelled their attacks in various formations such as Area Command Onitsha, Ogidi, Awada, CPS Onitsha, Inland town and ‘B’ Divisions.
“Some of the suspects had been arrested with several exhibits, such as one AK47 rifle stolen from Ogbunike Division recovered from them.”
The CP further revealed that investigation was ongoing and efforts being intensified to apprehend other fleeing suspects, just as he commended the youths, traditional/community leaders, vigilante groups and residents of the state for contributing to the successes recorded by the command in calming the situation and restoring normalcy in the state.
He hailed the inter agency collaboration in the fight and urged for the sustenance of such cooperation at all times.
Appreciating the state governor, Willie Obiano for his support to the law enforcement agencies in the state, Abang urged the people of the area to be security conscious at all times; and report any strange behaviour or suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency number for prompt response.
