The Imo State police command has disclosed that the suspected gunmen who assassinated a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Ahmed Gulak in Owerri, yesterday were rounded up in Aboh-Mbaise local government area of the state while distributing onions to some locals.
Gulak, a former political adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan, was on his way to Sam Mbakwe Airport when he was killed by gunmen.
Spokesman for the command, Mr. Bala Elkana said the suspects engaged in a shoot-out with the police at Afor Enyiogugu junction in Aboh-Mbaise where they seized a truck load of onions coming from the north and distributed same to the locals.
According to the police, at least six of the suspects were killed after a fierce encounter.
It also stated that three of the four vehicles used in attacking Gulak were recovered.
It further said three AK 47 rifles, one pistol, five AK 47 magazines with ninety two rounds of live ammunition and criminal charms were recovered.
More so, the police said the assailants were identified as members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) while the driver who drove Gulak and a co- victim who survived all identified the dead body of the IPOB/ESM members positively as their attackers and also identified the three vehicles recovered as those used by the attackers.
The statement reads: “On 30th May, 2021 following a distress received by the Command on the gruesome murder of Ahmed Gulak, Police Special Forces made up of Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Police Mobile Force (PMF) and Tactical Units from the command were deployed to the scene at Obiangwu Junction at Ngor Okpala LGA of Imo state. The teams were given a clear instruction to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the act with a view of bringing them to justice.
“Eye witnesses’ account, especially the account given by the driver of the vehicle that was conveying Ahmed Gulak to the Airport before the attack, gave a vivid description of the assailants and the vehicles they used in carrying out the attack. The assailants were said to have used a Toyota Camry 2005 model with silver color; Toyota Sienna 1998 Model with golden color; Toyota Hilux with white color; and a Lexus RX 330 with golden Color. (Registration numbers are withheld for security reasons).
“Having established the identity of the assailants and the description of the vehicles used in carrying out the attack, the teams further got details of the direction the hoodlums have taken. With further leads, the team was able to establish the location of suspects. The suspects were rounded up at Afor Enyiogugu junction in Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area. The hoodlums where met distributing onions to locals from a trailer they confiscated. The trailer was loaded with Onions from the Northern region of Nigeria.
“On sighting the police, the hoodlums providing security coverage to those sharing the onions opened fire on the police teams. The gallant and battle ready Police Officers swiftly returned the fire. The six hoodlums who carried out the killings and four other members of their gang were fatally injured. Three out of the four vehicles used in attacking Gulak were recovered.
“Three AK 47 Rifles, one Pistol, five AK 47 magazines with ninety two rounds of live ammunition and criminal charms were recovered. The assailants were identified as members of the proscribed IPOB and ESN. The driver who drove late Ahmed Gulak and a co- victim who survived have all identified the dead body of the IPOB/ESM members positively as their attackers and also identified the three vehicles recovered as those used by the attackers. During the encounter, two of the police armored personnel carriers (APC) were riddled with bullets but survived the gun battle.
“The Commissioner of Police Imo State, CP Abutu Yaro, fdc commended the gallant effort of the team and admonished them to continue to protect the public space.”
Meanwhile, IPOB has absolved itself of the murder saying the assassination of politicians is not part of its agenda.
Spokesman for the organisation, Mr. Emma Powerful said in a statement that IPOB had nothing in common with the late Adamawa State-born politician and could not have killed him.
“We, therefore, state without equivocations that IPOB knows nothing about the said assassination. In the first place, what threat did the late Gulak constitute to our cause to warrant his elimination? We had nothing in common with him and could not have in any way killed him.
“Pointing accusing fingers at IPOB for this barbaric act is only meant to divert attention away from the real masterminds.
“This is the same way terrorists in security uniform commit various atrocities in South East and turn around to blame IPOB for their crimes just to tarnish our global reputation.
“This is purely a smokescreen to justify their long-awaited plan to declare another special military operation in the Eastern region to kill more innocent Biafrans.
“Instead of the security agencies to properly investigate the incident and possible factors, they switch to accuse IPOB of a crime we know nothing about. Did IPOB have the itinerary of the late Gulak to have waylaid him at the airport?”
The IPOB spokesman urged the security agencies to beam their searchlight on Gulak’s political opponents to establish the cause of his death.
“We are not surprised that they quickly pointed fingers at us just as they have always looked for every opportunity to incriminate us to frustrate our struggle for Biafra restoration. But this too will not fly because the world is aware that IPOB is a peaceful movement. IPOB is not a terrorist organisation and does not spill blood.”
He also challenged the federal government to institute a panel of inquiry to unravel the mystery surrounding Gulak’s death.
“We challenge Aso Rock to institute an independent panel of inquiry to investigate the incident and expose those behind this gruesome murder of an innocent man. Our hearts go out to Gulak’s family. May his soul rest in peace,” he added.
