In a devastating turn of events, two police officers attached to the Majority Leader of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon. Kingsley Ikoro, were brutally gunned down in Imo State on Sunday. The officers were ambushed by unidentified gunmen along the Okigwe axis, a region notorious for violent attacks and rising insecurity.
According to reports, the convoy was travelling through Okigwe when one of the vehicles developed a mechanical fault. This forced the officers to remain behind as the rest of the convoy continued on its journey. Tragically, it was during this vulnerable moment that the assailants struck.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers emerged from nearby terrain and opened fire on the stranded security personnel, killing both officers on the spot.
The Okigwe corridor, which links parts of Imo, Enugu, and Abia States, has become a recurring flashpoint for attacks targeting both civilians and security operatives. Sunday’s incident adds to a growing list of violent ambushes in the area, underscoring the dangers faced by public officials and their aides, even while traveling within the South-East.
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the killings on Monday and described the attack as “heinous.” He also revealed that tactical teams had been deployed to the region to track down those responsible.
“Our tactical teams have launched a full-scale manhunt,” Okoye said. “We are scouring nearby forests and communities to track down those responsible. There is no hiding place for the perpetrators.”
The remains of the fallen officers have been deposited at a local mortuary as investigations continue. Meanwhile, the Ebonyi State Government and the State Assembly are yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, but sources close to Hon. Ikoro confirmed he is safe and was not harmed in the attack.
This latest tragedy raises fresh concerns about the security of Ebonyi State officials travelling beyond state borders, especially in regions grappling with high levels of violence. It also reinforces the urgent need for inter-state collaboration in intelligence gathering, surveillance, and response to insecurity in the South-East.
The identities of the slain officers have not been publicly released as of press time, pending formal communication with their families. However, colleagues and members of the Ebonyi State Assembly have begun to pay tribute, describing them as committed professionals who gave their lives in the line of duty.
Stay updated with Ebonyi News Network for real-time reports, in-depth analysis, and exclusive coverage of policies shaping Ebonyi State.
