Some unidentified hoodlums stormed Zone 13 Police Headquarters in Ukpo, located in the Dunukofia Local Governments Area of Anambra State, on Monday, razing down some administrative buildings there.
It was gathered that the attack happened in the early hours of Monday and scores of properties belonging to zone 13 command was destroyed during the attack.
This has also been confirmed by the state’s Zonal Public Relations Officer DSP Nkeiruka Nwode, in a press release.
According to her, the attackers shot sporadically in order to gained entrance into the facility, however, they were repelled by the police operatives on duty.
Nwode also disclosed that the attackers came with sophisticated weapons like Petrol Bombs, Improvised Explosive Devices(IEDs), among others.
According to her, “following the inability of the attackers to access the facility, they threw petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on vehicles within the periphery of the Headquarters.”
Nwode also disclosed that many of the hoodlums sustained injuries from the exchange of gunfire, while one was arrested.
She also disclosed that two police operatives sustained injuries too, however, they are currently receiving medical care.
She however assured that the Commissioner of Police in the state alongside other top Police officers are already on top of the situation and the perpetrators would be brought to book.
The statement reads, “Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to Zone-13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State have successfully repelled an attack on the zonal headquarters by criminal elements in the early hours of today, 19th April, 2021.
“The attackers, who came in their numbers, shooting sporadically in order to gain access to the facility, were repelled by the police personnel on duty who showed profound gallantry in the face of the seemingly overwhelming attack.
“Following the inability of the attackers to access the facility, they threw petrol bombs and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on vehicles within the periphery of the Headquarters.”
“One L7A2 General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Ninety-two rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, one locally-made smoke pistol and an axe were recovered by the Police. Regrettably, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and are presently receiving treatment.
“The CP, supported by other senior officers from Zone-13 Headquarters and the State Command, is personally leading a special operation aimed at tracing, identifying and arresting the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“He also called on proprietors of private and public (including unorthodox) medical facilities in and around Anambra State to admit, but report anyone found seeking medical attention for bullet wounds and related injuries to the nearest police station.”
It would be recalled that some suspected hoodlums also attacked a police patrol vehicle in Ekwulobia, Anambra State.
A police officer was reportedly killed in the attack.
Similarly, this incident is coming after the Imo Police Headquarters and Correctional Facility were attacked.
The south east region of Nigeria have been experiencing constant attacks on police facilities recently.
Recall also that the South East Governors had also announced the establishment of Ebube Agu, a security outfit.
According to the governors, the security outfit will help in combating the rising cases of criminalities in the region.