Imo Governor Hope Uzodimma has summoned heads of the security agencies in the state to a closed door meeting even as the Police authorities have fingered the Eastern Security Network and the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB as being responsible for the attacks. Though IPOB has not claimed any responsibility. Our correspondent gathered the emergency meeting, which is taking place inside the Government House in Owerri, followed attacks on police headquarters and Owerri Correctional Centre by gunmen.
It was learnt the Governor had to cut short his Easter holiday to return to the state capital for the meeting. Security had also been beefed up within and around the Government House while the meeting lasted. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who confirmed the security meeting to our correspondent, said government was on top of the situation.
He said the Governor would address the people of the state in a broadcast immediately the emergency meeting is over.
Meanwhile, Police authorities have stated those who razed Imo Police Command Headquarters and freed inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) on Monday were members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network(ESN).
Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu ordered the immediate deployment of additional units of Police Mobile Force (PMF) and other Police Tactical Squads to Imo State to strengthen security and prevent further attacks on security formations or any other critical national infrastructure in the State.
A statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CP Frank Mba said: “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the attackers, who came in their numbers with sophisticated weapons such as General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), Sub-Machine Guns (SMGs), AK49 rifles, Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs), Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), are members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN)
“The attempt by the attackers to gain access to the Police armoury at the Headquarters was totally and appropriately resisted by Police operatives on duty who repelled the attackers and prevented them from breaking-in and looting the armory”.
The armoury, Mba said, is intact, adding the police suffered no human casualty, apart from a police Constable who sustained a minor bullet wound on his shoulder. He said one of the operational vehicles of the attackers has been recovered by the Police and is being subjected to forensic scrutiny and investigations. The police boss, who described the deliberate and criminal attack on security operatives as an attack on the soul of the country enjoined leaders in Imo State, the South-East and other parts of the country to speak out against the unfolding violence and criminality.
The IGP called on citizens to avail the Police and other security agencies with useful information that can assist in identifying and arresting the criminals.
Source: The Nation
