In Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, at least five members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were reportedly killed in a confrontation with state police operatives.
The incident occurred when the group allegedly attacked Ishieke Police Station in a blue Sienna bus around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, opening fire on the facility.
The police engaged the attackers in a gun battle that lasted about 30 minutes, during which police vehicles were reportedly set ablaze. A video showing the bodies of the deceased attackers was circulated on social media.
According to Daily Trust, reinforcements from the state police command headquarters in Abakaliki and soldiers responded swiftly to a distress call from Ishieke Police Station. A reliable source mentioned that the intense shooting caused residents to flee for their safety.
“The gunmen arrived at Ishieke Police Station and opened fire. The police responded, and it lasted about 30 minutes before additional security operatives arrived for reinforcement,” the source explained. As the attackers attempted to escape, they were intercepted by the advanced security team near Odomoke Ishieke market along Nwiboko Obodo road in Ebonyi Council Area.
As of the time of this report, the police had not yet issued an official statement regarding the attack. It was reported that the Sienna bus used by the gunmen and the bodies of the deceased had been taken to the state police headquarters.