Gunmen attack convoy of House of reps member Onwusibe in Abia, police inspector killed

November 18, 2024

By Samuel Ogunsona

Gunmen ambushed the convoy of Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives, at Ubakala in Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The attack, which took place around 9 pm on Sunday, resulted in the death of a police inspector, Bala Mohammed, and left another officer, Dunna Jatau, injured.

According to reports, the assailants, dressed in black and wearing police jackets, blocked the convoy, which consisted of two policemen and a driver in a Toyota Corolla.

After identifying themselves as police officers, the gunmen opened fire on them. Fortunately, the lawmaker himself was not present in the convoy at the time of the attack.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the incident and stated that tactical teams had been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects.

The statement reads in part; “On 17/11/2024, at about 20:30hrs, two police officers, from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 4, Makurdi Inspector Dunna Jatau and Inspector Bala Mohammed assigned to Honourable Ginger Onwusibe, a member of the House of Representatives representing the Nsiala-Ngwa North/South constituency, were ambushed by armed assailants while on official duty in Umuahia.

“The officers were in a Police Toyota Hilux vehicle after accompanying and dropping off the Honorable in Umuahia. On their way, near Umuahia South Local Government Area Secretariat in Ubakala, their vehicle was intercepted by armed men dressed in black attire, operating in a Toyota Corolla with tinted windows. The assailants blocked the path of the police vehicle and opened fire. Tragically, Insp. Bala Mohammed sustained multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene. Insp Dunna Jatau and the driver escaped the attack.

“The area was immediately combed by officers of the command as comprehensive search operation was launched to locate the attackers. Tactical teams have been deployed to track down the fleeing suspects. Investigation into the incident is ongoing.

“The Abia State Police Command is committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. We urge the public to remain calm, stay security conscious, go about their activities and report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the nearest police station.”

The authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activity, and cooperate with the police efforts to apprehend those responsible for the deadly ambush.