Sit-at-home: Police kill 3 IPOB members in Enugu.

Sit-at-home: Police kill 3 IPOB members in Enugu.

Enugu State Police, yesterday, killed three members of the indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) for aiming to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

The representative for the state police command, Daniel Ndukwe, said that the suspects were ‘neutralized’ at Ezioha Mgbowo community in Awgu Local Council in a gun duel.

He said: “At about 2:15 a.m., on Monday, September 18, a joint security team, comprising police operatives of the Enugu State Command, Special Forces, and Troops of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, acting on credible intelligence, invaded the criminal hideout of IPOB/ESN subversive criminal elements in Ezioha Mgbowo in Awgu Local Council, while they were perfecting plans to enforce the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.

“Three of the hoodlums, who opened fire on the patrol team on sighting them, were neutralized, while several others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“Three pump-action guns, 10 machetes, and other incriminating exhibits were recovered; while an intense manhunt for those on the run is ongoing.”

While commending the joint team, the Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, reassured the people of adequate security as they go about their lawful businesses.

Gunmen have demanded N100 million ransom for the release of Rev. Father M. Okide, a Catholic Priest, and six travelers who were abducted. The incident took place just two days after 14 passengers were also kidnapped along the Ugwuogo-Nike road in Nsukka, between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

A source said children of the victims were left crying inside their car, before the police came to rescue them.