What would have become a fatal incident was averted by men of the Rivers State Police command, in the early hours of Monday, at the Bishop Okoye Street Market, Mile 3, Diobu.
A man whose name was given simply as Abraham, was attacked by over eight persons, allegedly armed with machete and pistol, suspected to be members of a cult group.
Abraham who operates a grinding business was pinned to the ground and inflicted machete injuries by the assailants over alleged illegal levy.
They abandoned him and fled the scene when they sighted operatives of the Nkpolu Divisional Police Headquarters in Mile 3, Diobu, as well as the victim.
The police has launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
The police team, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ogbuefi Henry King, reportedly responded swiftly to distress calls and disrupted the attack before the assailants could carry out their mission.
It was gathered that “at about 7:30 a.m, no fewer than eight suspected cultists chased a man identified simply as Abraham, who operates a grinding business at the Bishop Okoye Street Market.
“The suspects, allegedly armed with machetes and a locally made pistol, caught up with the victim, pinned him to the ground and inflicted machete cuts on him before police officers arrived at the scene.
“The suspects fled into the crowd immediately they sighted the police, abandoning the attack. The victim, who sustained injuries to one of his ears and other parts of his body, also escaped from the scene.
“Further findings indicated that the attack may not be unconnected with Abraham’s alleged refusal to pay an illegal levy, popularly referred to as matching ground, allegedly imposed by the suspected cultists.”
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Karbolo, said officers from the Nkpolu Police Division responded promptly and successfully foiled the attack.
Her words: “Upon receipt of the information, officers from the Nkpolu Police Division immediately mobilised to the scene and thwarted the mission of the miscreants.
“Our men have taken over the area, while efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators, establish contact with the victim, who also fled the scene, and ensure a thorough investigation and possible prosecution of those involved.”
The police spokesperson assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property and urged members of the public to provide useful information that could assist in apprehending the fleeing suspects.
