The Divisional Police Officer, Imo River Police Station in Abia State, Mr. Bartholomew Ayogu had a close shave with death following attacks by suspected cultists terrorising the area.
Ayogu was returning from a night shift when he ran into suspected members of Black Axe, who barricaded the main access road where they robbed and molested innocent citizens.
Efforts by the gallant officer to disperse the criminal group led to a confrontation that almost left the office dead. Other members of the group, who had laid ambush swooped on him, attacking him with cutlasses, bottles, and other dangerous weapons.
Investigation revealed that the group was led by suspected cultists kingpins, Uwem and Nnaturo (aka Prince), who have been terrorising the residents of the area.
It was gathered that the gallant cop sustained serious injuries in the encounter, as he restrained himself from using a firearm. He was seriously wounded and later rushed to was an undisclosed hospital where doctors battled to save his life.
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A close source confirmed that contrary to rumors that the officer was killed by the cultists, he spent three months in a hospital and was later discharged.
It was also reported that the wounded officer bore his medical bills, as no support or assistance came to him after the unfortunate incident.
Meanwhile, another senior police officer in the area, who spoke to our reporter, said the attack on the DPO was borne out of deep frustration by the cultists and other criminals, who had come under intense pressure from the police in the onslaught to rid the area of crime.
“I am happy the DPO survived the attack. We are back to crime-fighting in full force. We will ensure that all the suspects involved in this case are brought to book. No matter where they hide, we will smoke them out”,
he vowed.
Daily Sun gathered that the police have since mounted a manhunt for the suspected cultists who had fled the area shortly after the attack.
