Ebonyi: Hoodlums burn 3 police stations, free 8 detainees, attempted jailbreak

Hoodlums in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital Thursday freed eight arrested suspects in police net after setting three police stations ablaze but were repelled in their attempt to break into the Nigerian Correctional Centre in the city.

The freeing of the eight police detainees happened at Ekumenyi Police post where they also set some section of the police building and some vehicles ablaze, Daily Trust gathered.

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This was contained in a statement issued by the State’s Police spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, who also noted that the Central Police Station, Abakaliki and the Division Kpirikpiri station were also attacked and set ablaze by the hoodlums.

She explained that two police officers, who were injured during the encounter, are responding to treatment.

“The hoodlums looted and carted away about 30 exhibit motorcycles/Plasma TVs/Fans and other valuables.

“The criminally-minded hoodlums, who were matching with Endsars/End Nigeria/End the Zoo Country placards suddenly entered and open fire on Policemen at “A” Division (CPS) Abakaliki and two policemen sustained bullet injuries, but the hoodlums were immediately repelled.

“They retreated and preceded to “B” Division Kpirikpiri/ “C” Division Ekumenyi, set some parts of the divisions ablaze together with four Exhibits vehicles, broke into the cell and released eight suspects, and also destroyed other Police properties and exhibit vehicles seen within the Police stations.

“Similarly, the same criminals attempted to attack and release inmate from Abakaliki Federal Prisons, but the joint forces of the police and other sister security agencies could not allow them access to the facility,” the statement noted.

Similarly, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Philip Sule Maku has condemned the attack and urged officers and men of the Command to remain calm while they continue to manage the situation professionally in the State.

He further appealed to community leaders, parents and guardians, traditional rulers and religious leaders, to caution the youths against violence and any act that is capable of aggravating tension in the State as such will be counter-productive.