Gunmen on Monday killed five police operatives and abducted one in a fresh attack on a police formation in Imo State.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Orlando Ikeokwu, confirmed the incident in Owerri.
“Five officers have been killed, while one is yet to be accounted for, but the building was not burnt,” Ikeokwu said.
According to him, the assailants attacked the Okigwe South Zonal Police Area Command in Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of the state, where they shot and killed the operatives on guard.
The deceased engaged the attackers in a gun battle but were later overpowered by the heavily armed men.
Eyewitness account said the incident caused serious panic in the area, forcing many residents to flee their homes into the bush for safety.
The incident brought to nine the number of such heineous attacks in Imo since April 5, when gunmen attacked the police headquarters and correctional centre in Owerri.
Meanwhile, several gunshots were heard at the popular Ama Hausa area, a settlement of most Northerners in Owerri, the Imo capital.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender and Vulnerable Groups – Northern Affairs (Men), Mr Suleiman Ibrahim, confirmed this through a telephone call in Owerri on Monday.
The incident rook place shortly after the Okigwe Zonal area command Headquarters located at Ehime Mbano Local Government Area was attacked with five policemen reportedly killed.
Suleiman said that anxiety gripped the residents when unknown gunmen attacked the large settlement about 10p.m on Monday, shooting indiscriminately.
He said that no casualties were recorded as residents were already in their abodes before the arrival of the gunmen.
He also said that authorities of the settlement had already alerted security agencies in the state and called for calm.
“We suddenly heard gunshots and everyone took cover as there was palpable fear. It lasted for about thirty minutes before they withdrew.
“No casualties were recorded and no injuries sustained. Security agencies in the state have been put on notice and we believe that the situation is under control,” he said.
