The Commissioner of Police in Abia, Mr Bala Hassan, has vowed to bring to justice the killers of Mr Celestine Ozuruora, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Uratta in Aba.
Ozuruora was shot dead by hoodlums while on foot patrol of the area.
“He will not die in vain, we will bring the perpetrators to book,'' Hassan vowed in an interview in Aba on Thursday.
Hassan said the police had intensified their search for the murderers, adding that some suspects, including a traditional ruler, had been arrested and were helping the police in their investigation.
He described the incident as “unfortunate'', noting that Ozuruora was one of the best DPOs in the Abia Command and would be retiring in six months time.
“He is one of our own, the best for that matter. It is very unfortunate because he will retire in the next six months, and this is one of the hazards of working for your fatherland.
“There was an exchange of fire with some hoodlums; unfortunately we lost a gallant, patriotic human being. What particularly pained us was that this state had been calm for the past one year.
“We have not even lost any of our officers this year, so to say in action. So it is unfortunate that one of our best men lost his life.''
The police commissioner, however, said that the loss had not dampened the spirit of the police.
Instead it had spurred the state police command to work harder to see that lives and property were protected throughout the coming Christmas and New Year celebrations, he assured the people.
“We want to ensure that Abians have peaceful Christmas; the death of the DPO has not dampened the spirit of our men.
“We have resolved to work harder to see that lives and property are protected throughout the celebrations,'' Hassan said, adding that the police command had released pamphlets indicating emergency numbers to call during distress.