The Rivers State Police Command has alleged that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) killed one Sergeant Steven Daniel in the state.

IPOB members and security operatives clashed in the state on Tuesday.

The state Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Zaki told newsmen in Port Harcourt that Daniel was shot dead by IPOB members during the crisis in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.

He said the assailants took away three arms and 68 rounds of live ammunition.

He stated, “The same group, who have no justification for their action, also attacked a police van from Nonwa Police Training School en route from Port Harcourt International Airport, and burnt the van to ashes.

“The driver of the van, Inspector Emaikwu Ochochi, was badly injured and is currently on admission in a hospital. The attackers also carted away one AK47 riffle with 60 rounds of live ammunition and one Barretta pistol with eight rounds of live ammunition.

“At the end of their rampage, many vehicles were damaged and scores burnt.

“However, the command was awaken with yet another attack today (Wednesday), at about 12.10am, where some members of IPOB regrouped and launched a surprise attack on mobile policemen stationed at Oyigbo junction, killing a police sergeant identified as Steven Daniel, attached to Mopol 19, injuring two others and burning down their patrol vehicle.”

Zaki also alleged that one Sterling SMG rifle, belonging to the deceased officer, was taken away by the attackers, adding that they (attackers) were repelled by the police with nine of them arrested.

He stated that 32 suspects have been arrested so far over the clash.

Azeez