* As IGP urges CPs to beef up security during Sallah
Gunmen, on Friday morning, reportedly killed 5 policemen at Okpala junction, in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.
Also killed were a couple – Mr. and Mrs. Chinaka Nwagu – who hailed from Amankwo Okpala community.
The incident caused panic in the entire community, as commercial activities came to an abrupt halt.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the incident.
Okoye said the police tactical team are already in the area to fish out perpetrators of the crime.
He urged the people of Ngor Okpala to remain calm as adequate security measures are in place.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali-Baba, has charged Police commissioners and Tactical Commanders in all the states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), to beef-up security during the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the IGP directed supervisory AIGs and their respective CPs to ensure adequate deployment of officers and assets to critical locations, most especially Eid Prayer Grounds and recreation centres, to build confidence amongst the citizens and fun seekers.
He charged officers and men of the Police Force to engage in critical assessment of threat-prone areas, thorough stop, and search, raids on black spots, and other anti-crime strategies capable of sustaining peace and public safety in Nigeria.
The IGP, however, cautioned “that personnel deployed must be professional and mindful of the fundamental rights of the citizens while discharging their responsibilities with all sense of decorum and alertness.
“The IGP congratulates the entire Muslim ummah in the country on the forthcoming Eid-el-Fitr celebrations which is a culmination of the Ramadan period.
“He has also assured of continued efforts aimed at decimating crimes and criminality and improving public safety and security across the country.
“In the same vein, the IGP enjoined Muslim faithful to celebrate and enjoy the beauty of the significant season while remaining security conscious.”