A vehicle belonging to a local vigilante group in Imo State was ambushed by unknown gunmen on Sunday evening in the Njaba area.
According to an eyewitness, the vigilantes were on a security patrol within the community when the attack occurred.
The eyewitness reported that three vigilantes and a teenager were killed in the incident. The vigilantes were patrolling in a vehicle when the gunmen ambushed them at Afor Umuaka in Njaba.
The assailants reportedly set up the ambush and began shooting at the security personnel. A stray bullet hit the teenager, who died instantly.
The eyewitness described how the gunmen overtook the community security Toyota Sienna the vigilantes were using for their patrol and shot them dead. The incident highlights the deteriorating security situation in Imo State, which has seen frequent attacks by gunmen.
Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed the incident and stated that a tactical squad had been deployed to apprehend the attackers.
He relayed that the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack and the brutal killing of the vigilante personnel from the Umuaka Autonomous Community.
CP Aboki Danjuma expressed deep sadness over the tragic event, which claimed the lives of three vigilant members and a passerby during their routine crime prevention patrol.
He vowed that the command would spare no effort in ensuring that the perpetrators are arrested and brought to justice. Danjuma also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
