In a tragic incident on Friday, two policemen were killed and another was injured following an attack by unknown gunmen at a checkpoint in Aba. The attack took place at Opobo junction, along Ikot Ekpene road, Ogbor Hill, causing widespread panic and chaos in the area.

Another Attack in a Series of Violent Incidents

This incident comes barely a month after a similar attack at a military checkpoint at Obikabia junction, where five soldiers were killed, and their patrol vans set ablaze by yet-to-be-identified assailants. The recent attack on the police checkpoint has raised concerns about the escalating violence and insecurity in the region.

Chaos and Panic in Aba

The attack occurred in the early hours of the day, catching many by surprise. Street traders, motorists, and shop owners near the checkpoint scrambled to safety as gunshots rang out. The usually bustling area quickly turned into a scene of chaos and fear, with people abandoning their goods and vehicles to seek shelter.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene. “We were just going about our normal business when we heard gunshots. People started running in all directions. It was really scary,” said a local shop owner who preferred to remain anonymous.

Immediate Police Response

Within minutes of the attack, several patrol teams of policemen arrived at the scene, but the gunmen had already fled. The swift response by the police teams aimed to restore order and reassure the panicked residents and traders. However, the road remained largely deserted as people stayed away, fearing further violence.

Lack of Official Statement

As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson for the Abia Police, Maureen Chinaka, had not yet responded to requests for an official statement. Efforts to reach her for comments via text message were unsuccessful, leaving many questions about the details and motives behind the attack unanswered.

Increasing Insecurity in Abia

The attack on the police checkpoint is part of a worrying trend of increased violence and insecurity in Abia State. The previous attack on the military checkpoint at Obikabia junction highlighted the boldness and brutality of these unknown gunmen. Such incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among residents.

Security experts have raised alarms over the rising incidents of violence in the region, calling for more robust security measures and intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks. “There is an urgent need for the security agencies to step up their game. These repeated attacks on security personnel are not just a threat to the officers but to the entire community,” said a security analyst.

Community’s Reaction and Calls for Action

The local community has expressed deep concern over the frequent attacks and the apparent inability of the security forces to prevent them. Many residents have called on the state government and security agencies to take immediate and effective action to address the growing insecurity.

“We are living in fear every day. The government needs to do something to protect us and our businesses. It’s not safe anymore,” said another resident.

Community leaders and advocacy groups have also urged for better collaboration between the security agencies and the community. They believe that fostering trust and cooperation can enhance the effectiveness of security measures and help in gathering crucial intelligence to prevent such attacks.

Looking Ahead

The tragic killing of the two policemen in Aba is a stark reminder of the dangers faced by security personnel in the line of duty. It also underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to combat the rising tide of violence and ensure the safety and security of the residents.

As the investigation into the attack continues, there is hope that the perpetrators will be swiftly brought to justice and that measures will be put in place to prevent future occurrences. The community’s resilience and the commitment of the security forces will be crucial in restoring peace and security in Aba and the wider Abia State.

For now, the residents remain on edge, hoping for a more secure and peaceful environment in the days to come.