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Nigerian Police Link IPOB Agitator, Simon Ekpa To Attacks On Imo Local Government Headquarters, Killings

Nigerian Police Link IPOB Agitator, Simon Ekpa To Attacks On Imo Local Govt Headquarters, Killings

The assailants, who attacked the local government headquarters on Tuesday night, also set several vehicles parked at the council headquarters on fire.

The Imo State Police Command has linked Finland-Based Biafra Agitator, Simon Ekpa to the local government attack in the state where two local vigilante members were killed.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that the gunmen attacked the Isiala-Mbano Local Government Area headquarters of Imo State, killing two local vigilante members who were guarding the premises.

The assailants, who attacked the local government headquarters on Tuesday night, also set several vehicles parked at the council headquarters on fire.

According to witnesses, the gunmen arrived at the secretariat around 8:30 p.m., opening fire indiscriminately and killing the two vigilante members on duty. They then set part of the council building ablaze.

However, the state police command’s spokesman, Henry Okoye, told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Simon Ekpa recently issued one month sit at home threat, noting that he promised to attack government facilities and infrastructures.

He said; "Hoodlums suspected to be members of proscribed IPOB/ESN attacked Isiala-Mbano Local Government headquarters firing sporadically. We were aware of the threat and we deployed operatives with some local vigilantes and they really tried, they fought gallantly.

"They engaged in gun duel with the hoodlums, in the process two vigilantes were seriously injured and taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment. So for the now, I cannot confirm whether they are still alive or dead. But as at yesterday they were responding to treatment.

"The hoodlums came with local made petrol bomb, which they threw into Parker vehicles and damaged them, but we have been able to restore back normalcy in the area.

"Some weeks ago Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed IPOB leader issues one month sit at home threat, that this time around they are going to attack government facilities and infrastructures. So this is what they are enforcing, they are looking for weak spots to carry out their attack.

“The command has deployed tactical teams to apprehend those responsible for this crime, but we still need cooperation and support of the people of Imo State, because without them these things may be difficult for us. They involved in this criminal act are not in the air, they are known and they stay within the communities."