Gunmen kill 2 Policemen, 1 Other in Imo

• Gunmen attack police checkpoint in Imo
• Gunmen killed two officers and a passer-by
• An eyewitness said the assailant arrived in 3 vehicles

Eko Hot Blog reports that gunmen attacked a checkpoint along Okigwe Road in the Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State, killing two policemen and a passer-by.

According to an eyewitness, the assailants arrived at the checkpoint in three vehicles around 6:30 a.m. and began shooting at the officers. A civilian was killed by a stray bullet as people in the area scrambled for safety.

The witness recounted, “They came in three vehicles to the checkpoint and suddenly opened fire, killing two policemen on the spot. On hearing the sporadic gunshots, I quickly ran for my life.”

The source, who was out buying bread for his children’s breakfast, added that a stray bullet from the gunmen struck and killed a male passer-by. Other police officers at the scene returned fire, forcing the attackers to flee.

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ASP Henry Okoye, spokesperson for the Imo Police Command, confirmed the incident. He said the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma, had ordered a manhunt for the gunmen.

“The CP has deployed the command’s Special Tactical Squad, equipping them with available operational resources and intelligence to clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for this unprovoked and unwarranted attack,” Okoye stated. “The operatives fought gallantly, but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.”

The CP and other operatives later visited the crime scene for assessment. “As we speak, an intense operation is ongoing in the area to apprehend and prosecute the fleeing attackers,” Okoye added. He also mentioned that a high-powered investigation team has been set up to thoroughly investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators.

The bodies of the officers and the civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary. The police command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that every effort would be made to bring the culprits to justice.

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