Police Kill Two IPOB Members In Ebonyi, Recover Arms

The Ebonyi State Police Command have confirmed shooting two suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network at their hideout in Ugwulangwu, in the Onicha Local Government Area of the state, during a gun battle.

In a statement obtained by the assistant Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Levi Philips, said the police team acting on a tip-off trailed some of the hoodlums to their hideout.

He said the gunmen opened fire on sighting the team, who responded accordingly, adding that one, Ikwe Maduabuchi, 25, and one Onyekachi John, 28, were fatally wounded during the gun duel.

Philips said their bodies had been deposited at the Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki mortuary.

He said, “The incident happened around 3pm on Thursday. Items recovered from them include two AK-47 rifles, 40 rounds of live ammunition, two locally-made improvised explosive devices and some charms. Efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang. The Commissioner of Police, CP Garba Aliyu, has assured residents of the state of their safety as they go about their normal business.”