By Muhammad Sabiu
On Monday, suspected gunmen killed seven people, including a police inspector, in an ambush when some workers were being conveyed to a Shell Petroleum Development Company facility in Imo State, southeastern Nigeria.
Imo State police spokesperson, Mike Abattam, confirmed the incident to the press on Wednesday.
“They were ambushed, they came out from the bush and started firing at them. They (the victims) were all in the vehicle.
“The seven people include a police inspector who was providing security for them,” Mr Abattam said
As of the time of filing this report, no one or group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
According to Bamidele Odugbesan, a Shell spokesperson, the oil giant has shut down the site and its other facilities around the area as a “precautionary measure.”
South-east has been hit by attacks by suspected members of the proscribed separatist group, IPOB, which agitates for the breakaway of Biafra in recent months.
IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is standing trial in Abuja on treason charges and illegal possession of firearms.
