By Onome Oghenetega
The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested four members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) during a planned attempt to attack ‘A’ Division Police Station, Asaba, the state capital.
According to the command, the police operatives also repelled plans by suspected members of the separatist group to set ablaze the station, a situation that led to exchange of gunfire.
The incident according to a statement issued by the State Acting Police Public Relations Officer, Chuks Orisewezie, happened on Monday about 10:15am.
It said its men recovered from the arrested suspects; one pump action gun with four (4) hire cartridges and two (2) expended cartridges, assorted suspected criminal charms, four (4) dagger knives, Four (4) IPOB flags, plat cards bearing referendum referendum, Asaba get ready for your referendum today and ten (10) litres of petrol
According to the statement, “Today 15/04/2019 at about 10015hrs some members of outlawed IPOB group in their large number armed with guns, dagger knives, fuel and other dangerous weapons invaded and attacked ‘A’ Division Police Station, Asaba.
“In their desperate bid to raze down the station, the hoodlums attacked and open fire at the Police men for resisting them. The Police men led by the DPO promptly replied fire forcing the hoodlums to beat a retreat.
“During the melee, four (4) members of the groups were arrested namely, Nwafor Ifeanyi (M) aged 33years, Ifeanyi Nwafor (M), Arinze Orji (M) aged 21 and one Ekene Otakpo, who sustained gun injury and presently receiving treatment at FMC, Asaba.
“On preliminary investigation suspects admitted being members of IPOB. Suspects and exhibits handed over to State CIID for investigation.”
