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A female police officer was said to have been killed when gunmen suspected to be members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) attacked the Umuelemai police station in Isiala Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.

The hoodlums attacked the police station Thursday.

Though the police did not confirm the death of the officer personnel, spokesman of the command, CSP Mike Abattam, confirmed the incident.

Abattam said in a statement, “On 21/10/2021 at about 6.44 pm, armed bandits suspected to be IPOB/ ESN terror group came to Isiala Mbano Police Station in about five vehicles and three motorcycles threw petrol bombs on the roof of the already damaged building in the Endsars imbroglio and started shooting indiscriminately.

“The gallant police operatives attached to the station returned fire, engaging them in a gun duel. They were able to repel the bandits and in the process they zoomed off in their vehicles and motorcycles.

“Due to the gallantry of the police operatives no arm was lost. The fire was extinguished not after causing some damages on the building.

“One of the police operative who sustained gun shot injury was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

“Meanwhile, the command’s tactical teams have been dispatched to the area in pursuit of the bandits and to beef up security in the area.”

The station has been target of attacks in recent times.

One police officer was killed when gunmen also attached the station in March this year.