A police patrol team was allegedly attacked on Sunday, along the Okigwe–Umuahia Expressway in Imo State by suspected members of the proscribed Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The ambush led to the death of one police officer, while another is currently unaccounted for.
According to a statement by security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, on Monday, the attack occurred at about 8:20 a.m. on Sunday while the team was on routine patrol duties.
Confirming the incident to First News correspondent on the phone, a police Inspector identified as Eyong Owai stated that the patrol team was ambushed by heavily armed assailants who opened fire on the officers.
Police Constable Oluebube Onwubuariri, one of the patrol officers, sustained gunshot wounds to the ribs and was rushed to the General Hospital, Okigwe, where he was confirmed dead.
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Reports also revealed that an Assistant Superintendent of Police Casmir Eronobi, has been declared missing.
He was last seen with his AK-47 rifle bearing breech number 12592 and 13 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, a massive manhunt is underway to locate the missing officer and recover the service weapon.