Taiwo Popoola
Two Chinese expatriates and their police escort have been killed by gunmen in Abia State.
The Abia State Police Command, which confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday, said its operatives, in collaboration with personnel of sister security agencies, successfully rescued four other Chinese expatriates and two police escorts from the gunmen.
The incident occurred in Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA of Abia State, on Friday.
A statement made available to journalists by the spokesperson of Abia State Police Command, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on Saturday said that the rescue operation was led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uturu.
The statement said the police received a distress report on 04/04/2025 at about 17:30hrs that unidentified armed men had ambushed and attacked a group of Chinese expatriates and their police escorts while they were en route to their company site located at Agukwu-Amaya, Ndundu community, Uturu, Isuikwuato LGA.
According to the statement, during the attack, the manager, Mr. Quan, his colleague Mr. Cai, and Inspector Audu Saidu (one of the escort officers) were killed, while the assailants carted away Inspector Saidu’s rifle.
“Upon receiving the information, operatives from Abia State Command, in a joint operation with the military and other sister agencies, launched a search mission.
“As a result, three Chinese expatriates were rescued unhurt, while one sustained injuries.
“Inspector Uba Ahmed, who was also rescued, suffered gunshot injury on his leg. Both the injured officer and the expatriates are currently receiving treatment and responding to treatment at FMC Abakaliki,” the statement said.
Another police officer, Inspector Ijeagwa Friday, was also rescued unhurt through the collaborative action involving the police, the military, and local community members.
A tactical team of the Abia State Police Command, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), visited the crime scene on 5th April, 2025 as part of the ongoing search and rescue efforts, the statement further disclosed.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, assured the people of Abia State that the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be brought to justice, even as he urged residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear and as well, report suspicious persons and vehicles to the nearest police station.
