The police station in Bende LGA of Abia State was at the late hours of Wednesday attacked by yet unidentified gunmen who also razed the building before fleeing.
Our reporter learnt that a policeman on duty was shot in the leg as the hoodlums hurried their way out of the scene. Scanty report coming from Bende headquarters informed us that the gunmen on arrival shot into the air, pointing out that the operation lasted about 40 minutes.
The report further stated that the hoodlums freed the detainees in the cell before setting ablaze two operational vehicles, three motorcycles and the generating set which belonged to the station.
Meanwhile, on Thursday morning soldiers reportedly took over the vicinity of the area, prompting residents to scamper for safety on sighting the arrival of the military.
Our reporter recalls that this is the fourth time government facilities in Abia State are being attacked within a space of one week. On Sunday, May 9, 2021, the Ubani Market, Umuahia located along Umuahia-Uzuakoli highway was vandalised.
On Monday, May 10, 2021, both offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Ohafia were also burnt.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Abia State Command, Mr Geoffrey Ogbonna, a Superintendent of Police, confirmed the story, adding, “Investigations on the matter have commenced”.
Uche Nwosu is a two time Shell Petroleum PLC award winner in the year 2000;
He won the Shell Award on Investigative Journalism and Environmental Cleanliness.
