The Enugu State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus over the alleged assault and attempted murder of police officers. The suspects are accused of knocking down an officer, snatching an AK-47 rifle, and fleeing the scene.
Incident at All Saints Roundabout
Police said the incident happened at All Saints Roundabout along Abakaliki Road, Enugu, on July 9, at about 1:20 pm. According to the spokesperson of the Enugu State Police Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the police received information that the driver and conductor had allegedly assaulted a traffic police officer on duty, prompting operatives of the command’s Distress Response Squad (DRS) to intercept the vehicle.
The police spokesperson alleged that the driver initially slowed down as though he was complying with the officers’ instruction but suddenly accelerated in an attempt to escape. The vehicle knocked down one of the officers during the escape attempt, and the officer’s AK-47 rifle became entangled with the vehicle and was dragged away.
Suspects threw rifle out of vehicle
The command said the suspects later threw the rifle out of the vehicle at IMT Bus Stop along Abakaliki Road while fleeing. The recovered rifle was reportedly found intact with its ammunition. The suspects are wanted for alleged offences including conspiracy, serious assault on police officers, dangerous driving, attempted murder, and snatching of a police rifle.
Following the incident, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed security operatives to intensify efforts to arrest the fleeing suspects. The commissioner also urged the driver and conductor to surrender themselves for investigation, while warning against assaulting or obstructing police officers carrying out their duties. The police have not announced any arrest in connection with the incident as of the latest update.
