Two police officers were killed and three others injured when armed men stormed the Uratta Police Station in Aba, Abia State, in the early hours of Saturday, October 17, 2026. The attack began around 2 am, with the gunmen setting parts of the station and several vehicles ablaze, causing significant damage to the facility.
The attackers were believed to have targeted the station's armoury, but a source close to the incident said they left empty-handed after finding it unoccupied. The same source told The Punch that the gunmen carted away police uniforms before fleeing. It was also claimed that one of the assailants was shot and killed during the exchange of gunfire, though his body was removed by fellow attackers.
Commissioner and Governor Visit the Scene
Abia State Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, arrived at the station around 4 am and later toured the site together with Governor Alex Otti. Afolabi confirmed that two officers were killed and three people, including a civilian, sustained injuries. The wounded are receiving treatment at the Abia State University Teaching Hospital in Aba.
"The hoodlums came. Some of the shelters above were set ablaze," Afolabi said during his inspection. He added, "For now, we have not made any arrests, but we are working on that," assuring residents that the police would pursue the attackers.
Governor Otti Visits Injured Victims
Governor Otti later proceeded to the hospital to visit the injured victims. The commissioner said efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible were already underway.
Similar Attack in Rivers State
In a separate incident, gunmen killed two policemen and injured one during a routine operation at Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers state. Police Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju visited the scene for assessment and ongoing investigation on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. A viral video circulating on social media captured the tragic aftermath of the attack on the two police officers.
