…manhunt underway for fleeing suspects – Police
By Sarah NEGEDU
Gunmen stormed the Apo Resettlement area of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday night in what police say was a coordinated robbery attempt, that one person dead and three others injured.
The incident occurred around 10:30pm in the Zone E Extension of Apo Resettlement, when the gunmen attacked before they were later repelled by security forces.
A statement by the FCT Police Command on Tuesday, stated that the police responded to a distress call from a commercial motorcyclist who reported heavy gunfire in the area, after which, operatives from the Apo Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Uchenna Igwebuike, were immediately deployed.
The statement signed by the Command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, explained that the attackers engaged police in a fierce gun battle before fleeing into surrounding hills as reinforcements arrived, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Isyaku Sharu.
“A joint manhunt operation involving Police operatives and local vigilantes is currently ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects,” the command said in the statement.
The police further explained that “During the operation, three persons were rescued with varying degrees of injuries inflicted by the attackers. A light green Toyota Corolla with registration number GWA 620 AU, belonging to one of the victims, was recovered at the scene.
“All injured persons were immediately evacuated to Sahad Hospital, Apo Resettlement, for emergency medical care. Sadly, one of the victims later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead by medical personnel. His remains have been deposited in the hospital morgue.”
Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, who described the incident as unfortunate, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and called on the public to remain calm, security-conscious, and supportive of law enforcement agencies in their fight against crime.
“The Command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property across the Territory,” he said.
He also urged residents of Apo and nearby communities to assist the ongoing investigation by reporting suspicious individuals or anyone seen with gunshot wounds.
“Members of the public, especially residents of communities around Apo Resettlement and its environs, are advised to report anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious injuries to the nearest police station or via any of the Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913 or 08028940883,” the Commissioner said.
