Categories: World

4 Nigerian security officials killed in car bomb targeting former governor in Imo State

close Video

Fox News Flash top headlines for January 3

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what’s clicking on Foxnews.com.

Four security officials were killed in a car bomb targeting a former government official in southeast Nigeria, authorities said Tuesday.

Three police officers and a paramilitary official were killed in the attack in Imo State on a convoy carrying the former governor Ikedi Ohakim, Police Commissioner Mohammed Barde said.

“The man (Ohakim) was ambushed and he was able to maneuver and escape,” said Barde. The four security personnel were killed in a different car, he said. The attack was an unfortunate setback to government efforts to restore peace in some of Nigeria’s conflict-ridden southeastern states, said Barde.

UGANDA IS FEARFUL OF LOSING DOCTORS AMID EBOLA OUTBREAK

Southeast Nigeria has experienced a rise in violent attacks in recent years, often blamed on separatists trying to break away from the West African nation to form an independent country. The separatists who identify themselves as the Indigenous People of Biafra have become more violent amid calls for a referendum. Their attacks often target prominent people and security forces in the southeast, say conflict experts.

Three police officers and a paramilitary official were killed in a car bombing in southeastern Nigeria.
(KOLA SULAIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

A manhunt to arrest the assailants has begun, said authorities.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The attack has raised fears among local residents who are concerned that security will be threatened in the area during the country’s presidential elections in February.

The violence comes months after an ambush on a lawmaker in the southeastern Anambra State which killed four police officers in September. After that incident last year, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said he is “deeply concerned” about the troubled region.

Share

Recent Posts

Indian officials say troops exchanged fire with Pakistani soldiers in disputed Kashmir

close Video Fox News Flash top headlines for April 25 Fox News Flash top headlines…

2 hours ago

Trump says he would ‘never defy’ SCOTUS, commits to complying with courts despite flurry of legal setbacks

President Donald Trump said in an interview this week that he would "never defy" the…

2 hours ago

Ex-GOP congressman George Santos sentenced to 87 months in prison in federal fraud case

Former New York GOP Rep. George Santos was sentenced to 87 months in federal court…

2 hours ago

New report exposes how government program with eye-popping budget is failing vulnerable students

FIRST ON FOX: A new transparency report looking at a popular multibillion-dollar program in the Department…

2 hours ago

Fox News Politics Newsletter: Is AOC Rehearsing for a White House Run?

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration,…

2 hours ago

Trump’s goodwill tested as Putin ignores peace efforts during Witkoff’s visit

close Video Trump comments on Russia-Ukraine talks President Trump spoke to the press before leaving…

4 hours ago