- Enugu Police have launched a manhunt for a fleeing bus driver and conductor
- The suspects allegedly assaulted officers and briefly made away with a police rifle
- Police recovered the rifle and vowed to arrest and prosecute those involved
The Enugu State Police Command has begun a search for the driver and conductor of a Mitsubishi L300 commercial bus accused of attacking police officers and temporarily taking away a service rifle during an incident in the state.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Eko Hot Blog reports that the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspects are being sought over allegations of conspiracy, grievous assault, dangerous driving, attempted murder and the unlawful removal of a police firearm.
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According to the police, the incident occurred around 1:20 p.m. on July 9 at the All Saints Roundabout along Abakaliki Road in Enugu.
Ndukwe explained that operatives of the Distress Response Squad responded after receiving a report from the command’s control room that the bus driver and conductor had allegedly assaulted a traffic police officer on duty.
The officers later intercepted the vehicle and signalled the driver to stop. However, instead of complying, the driver reportedly slowed down briefly before suddenly accelerating in an attempt to flee.
During the escape, the vehicle allegedly struck one of the operatives, while the officer’s AK-47 rifle became entangled with the bus and was dragged away.
Police said that as officers pursued the vehicle, the suspects allegedly threw the rifle out near the IMT Bus Stop on Abakaliki Road before speeding away.
The firearm was quickly recovered by the police with all its ammunition intact.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Mamman Giwa, directed that a full investigation be launched and ordered intensified efforts to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
He also urged the driver and conductor to report to the police voluntarily, warning that every lawful means would be used to ensure they are brought to justice.
The commissioner appealed to residents not to be misled by conflicting accounts of the incident and reminded the public that attacking or obstructing law enforcement officers while performing their official duties is a criminal offence punishable under the law.
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