Police confirm killing of gunmen who attempted to burn station
From Chinedu Nwafor, Abakaliki
Police have killed six gunmen who attempted to burn 3-3 Police Divisional station Nkwelle-Ezunaka near Onitsha, Anambra State.
Some of the hoodlums, it was gathered, escaped with gun shot injuries.
This is coming barely 24hours after the gunmen succeeded in burning down Ogidi Police station and killing three policemen.
Police Spokesman in Anambra State DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, said in a statement on Sunday that “Operatives attached to the station, 3-3 Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Aread at 5:58 am, on Sunday morning foiled an attack by IPOB/ESN insurgents on the police facility”.
“The gallant response of the policemen on duty neutralized six of the insurgents, while police recovered two Ak47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No. Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items.
The statement reads: “The outlawed IPOB/ESN Insurgents came in their numbers with two SUV vehicles and one Toyota Sienna, armed with guns, IEDs and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were fiercely engaged and resisted by the Divisional Police Officer and his men in a long gun battle before the prompt reinforcement team, made up of the Military and PMF Operatives arrived the scene.
“During the gun duel, unfortunately, one police operative attached to the station was fatally wounded and an office in the facility was partially affected by the petrol bomb the Insurgents threw inside the station.
“Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen”.
The police said the situation was under control and the incident was still being assessed.
“In addition, joint operations are still ongoing to track down the fleeing insurgents and further development shall be communicated,” the statement added.