The Enugu State Police Command has successfully recovered a firearm and ammunition from armed robbery suspects who fled the scene of a crime in the Awkunanaw area of the metropolis.

According to a statement released on Saturday by the command’s spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, officers from the Awkunanaw Police Division responded to a distress call about a robbery in progress at a compound in Awkunanaw on the night of May 29.

Advertorial

The timely intervention of the police thwarted the robbery attempt, leading to the recovery of a locally made double-barreled gun and two live cartridges abandoned by one of the escaping robbers.

In a separate incident, detectives from the Central Police Station (CPS) of the Command arrested three suspects on the evening of May 30 in connection with the theft of iron rails.

The arrests were made around 7:30 p.m., following a report of vandalism at the pedestrian crossing bridge near Holy Ghost/Ogbete Market, Enugu.

Advertorial

The police recovered numerous pieces of the stolen iron rails.

DSP Ndukwe noted that a thorough investigation is underway to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the theft.

The suspects currently in custody will face prosecution upon the completion of the investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, expressed gratitude to the residents of Enugu for their vigilance and cooperation, which were instrumental in these successes.

He urged the community to continue supporting the police by promptly reporting any suspicious activities or criminals to the nearest police station.

Residents can also contact the command via hotlines 08032003702, 08098880172, 08086671202, or through email at infoenugupolice@gmail.com.

Uzuegbu emphasized the importance of community involvement in maintaining security and pledged the police command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of all citizens in Enugu State.

Igbo elders have appealed to the Nigerian military to exercise restraint and avoid a brutal response to the recent killing of five soldiers in Aba, Abia State by unidentified gunmen.

The elders stressed the importance of intelligence-led efforts to apprehend the perpetrators rather than resorting to widespread military action, which could result in significant collateral damage.

Advertorial

Former Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, speaking to reporters in Umuahia, condemned the attack on the soldiers but urged the military to avoid a retaliatory assault.

“It’s very unfortunate and wrong for people to attack those protecting them. These soldiers did nothing to deserve this. While we are all outraged, a full-scale revenge operation would be catastrophic. Instead, the military should use intelligence to identify and deal with the culprits,” Orji said.

Advertorial

Former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara, echoed Orji’s sentiments, condemning the “senseless and barbaric attack” while pleading for the military to temper justice with mercy to protect innocent citizens.

“This attack is regrettable. My heart goes out to the Nigerian Army and the families of the deceased. However, it’s usually the innocent who suffer in reprisal attacks. The military should focus on intelligence to find and punish the attackers,” Wabara stated.

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, former Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Summit, also condemned the killings but called for a measured military response.

“We mourn with the Nigerian Army. These are trying times with insecurity everywhere. The military should apply the rules of engagement and not punish the innocent. The attackers are unlikely to be in the vicinity anymore. Targeted intelligence and surveillance are necessary to track them down,” Ohuabunwa advised.

Archbishop Raphael Opoko, Methodist Bishop of Umuahia Ecclesiastical Diocese, appealed to the military to consider the welfare of innocent citizens.

“The killing of the soldiers is condemnable. Bloodshed is foreign to Igbo society. We urge the military to be merciful and collaborate with the state government to apprehend the culprits without endangering innocent lives,” Opoko appealed.

The elders collectively urged the military to prioritize intelligence operations and work closely with local authorities to ensure that justice is served without exacerbating tensions or causing further harm to the community.

Tension is mounting in Aba, Abia State, as soldiers have taken control of the city following the murder of five of their comrades at a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, Ogbor Hill.

The attack, carried out by suspected enforcers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’s sit-at-home order, resulted in the deaths of five soldiers and the burning of two patrol vans and the checkpoint.

The heightened tension has been exacerbated by the presence of two military helicopters hovering over the Ogbor Hill area and its surroundings.

Residents are fleeing at the sight of several high-speed military patrol teams.

Soldiers have stormed key areas such as Cemetery, Ngwa Road, Nsulu markets, and other business centers, ordering traders to vacate the premises.

Many schools in the city remain closed as parents keep their children at home, and some schools that opened were shut by midday.

Advertorial

Despite the chaos, the Aba main motor park remains busy.
However, soldiers have vacated checkpoints at Asa Road and Emelogu junction in Ogbor Hill.

Residents of Umuola, Ukaegbu, Ehere, New Umuahia, and Ururuka roads in Ogbor Hill, as well as Obohia and Ohanku in the Ndiegoro area, are staying indoors, fearing a military reprisal.

Heavily armed soldiers have also barricaded the Aba–Umuahia section of the Enugu–Port Harcourt expressway.

Passengers are being forced to disembark at Arungwa, Umuekea, Isiala Ngwa, and Ntigha junctions, trekking a kilometer with their hands raised.

Many motorists are taking detours through local routes to avoid the numerous military checkpoints on the expressway.