Imo State was thrown into panic on Sunday morning after gunmen launched a deadly ambush on a police patrol team along the Okigwe-Umuahia Road, killing a police constable and reportedly abducting an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).

The attack happened around 9:00 a.m. near Finas Gas Station in the Old Gariki area of Okigwe, which locals have described as a “dangerous zone” notorious for such violent incidents.

According to sources, Police Constable Oluebube was shot dead during the ambush, with his service rifle stolen by the assailants. Meanwhile, ASP Casmir, who led the patrol team, has been missing since the incident, sparking fears that he may have been abducted or worse.

“One PC, Oluebube, was killed in action and his smoke gunner taken. ASP Casmir and his AK-47 rifle are missing. Other officers on the team made it back to base and are currently receiving medical care,” a security source revealed.

The Imo State Police Command confirmed the tragic incident on Monday. Police spokesperson Henry Okoye stated that an intense manhunt is underway to track down the attackers. Preliminary investigations suggest the assailants could be linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

“We are aware that some people might question why IPOB is being mentioned,” Okoye said. “But we cannot overlook confessional statements from suspects who openly align their actions with this group. As law enforcement officers, it’s our duty to state the facts uncovered during investigations.”

The incident highlights the growing security challenges along major routes in Imo and underscores the risks faced daily by security operatives in the region.