A divisional police officer (DPO) of a community in Oru east LGA of Imo state identified as Fatmann Dooiyor has been killed by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The hometown of Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma is situated in Oru east LGA.
The suspected IPOB members struck on Monday, the day Nnamdi Kanu was to appear in court in continuation of his trial.
But the Department of State Services (DSS) refused to produce Kanu in court. He is accused of treasonable felony.
The spokesman of the police command in Imo, Mike Abattam in a statement said six of the gunmen were killed during a gun duel with police officers.
Abattam said 11 other suspected members of IPOB were also arrested.
“The tactical teams of the command immediately swung into action, ambushed and launched a surprise attack on the convoy of the bandits which resulted in the neutralisation of six of the bandits while 11 of them were arrested at the station,” he said.
“Unfortunately, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Fatmann Dooiyor paid the supreme price.
“The teams later recovered the three vehicles abandoned by the bandits to the station which includes, two Toyota Highlander SUV vehicles with registration numbers Abia MBL 517 AT and LAGOS , JJJ 984 EL respectively and a milk colour unregistered Lexus Jeep to the station.
“Presently, the command’s tactical teams and Special forces led by ACP Evans E.Shem are combing the bush for possible arrest of the bandits that fled into the bush.”