Tragedy struck in Abia State on May 6, 2025, when gunmen ambushed a team of police officers, resulting in the death of one officer and the theft of a firearm.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that at around 8:30 p.m., 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 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, was taken by the assailants.

A prompt response by the police led to the recovery of a Toyota Corolla and other items, including expended ammunition, a laptop, and three traveling bags. Additionally, Inspector Isong later surfaced unharmed. The body of the late Inspector Gbaratee has been deposited at the Euro Allied Medical Center Mortuary for autopsy.

A search operation in collaboration with military personnel, is ongoing to track down the attackers, recover the stolen firearm. (Text, excluding headline: Zagazola)