Gunmen K!ll Police Inspector in Rivers State Ambush

 

Tragedy struck along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road as gunmen ambushed a group of police officers, killing Inspector Christian Gbaratee.

The attack, which happened around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, was revealed by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, May 8.

According to Makama, the officers were returning from a duty trip in Rivers State when they were suddenly intercepted by five heavily armed men dressed in combat gear.

He wrote:

“A team of officers, including ASP Victor Eze and Inspector Nwanochi Ndubuisi, were returning from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when they were intercepted by five armed assailants dressed in combat attire. The attack took place on a narrow road after a filling station along the Port Harcourt–Aba Road, Asa.”

During the violent ambush, Inspector Christian Gbaratee was fatally shot, and Inspector Ekoro Isong initially went missing. The gunmen also made away with Gbaratee’s weapon and a suspect who had been in police custody at the time.

Makama continued:

“During the confrontation, Inspector Christian Gbaratee was shot dead, while Inspector Ekoro Isong went missing. The gun stolen from Gbaratee during the attack, as well as the suspect who had been in custody, were taken by the assailants.”

Thanks to a swift response from police backup, a Toyota Corolla and several items — including expended ammunition, a laptop, and three travel bags — were recovered.

In a positive turn of events, Inspector Isong later returned safely and unharmed. Gbaratee’s remains have been deposited at Euro Allied Medical Centre Mortuary for autopsy.

Efforts are ongoing to hunt down the attackers and recover the stolen firearm:

“A search operation in collaboration with military personnel is ongoing to track down the attackers and recover the stolen firearm,” Makama added.