Attack on pilgrims: Police begin manhunt for culprits

Posted by admin Rivers, State News Sunday, January 23rd, 2011

THE Rivers State Police Command said it had begun a manhunt for the gunmen who ambushed some Christian pilgrims, who were on their way to the Port Harcourt International Airport enroute to Jerusalem.

The gunmen had on Thursday shot and killed three policemen who were escorting the pilgrims to the airport.

State Police Public Relations Officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Rita Inoma-Abbey, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the police and other security agents were investigating the incident with a view to apprehending the culprits and bringing them to book.

Inoma-Abbey, who spoke on Friday, explained that an S.O.S Police Trooper was detailed to escort the two luxury buses carrying Christian pilgrims from D-Line to the airport.

She said, “We have begun a manhunt for the hoodlums who attacked the patrol vehicle that was escorting the pilgrims and we will leave no stone unturned to ensure that they are arrested.”

She stated that the hoodlums rained bullets on the patrol vehicle and killed three men, including an inspector that led the team.

She added, “Senior police officers and reinforcements from the command, surrounding divisions and the JTF team responded. But the hoodlums escaped for now.”

Inoma-Abbey said though no suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident, security agents were working round the clock to ensure that the bandits were arrested.

Explaining that none of the pilgrims sustained injuries during the attack, she assured members of the public that those behind the dastardly act would not go unpunished.

She, however, warned criminals to stay away from the state, pointing out that Rivers was no more a haven for hoodlums.

-Punchwp_posts