Gunmen | Image: Google
By Nweze Anaga,
Abakaliki
Confussion and lamentation fill the air in Ebonyi State as no fewer than six persons including four police officers and two civilian were shot dead by unknown gunmen along Hilltop road in Abakaliki, the state capital, at the weekend.
Nigeria News Flight gathered that the gunmen killed the police officers and the civilians close to a gas station, Ebyia bridge along Hilltop road.
Besides, the Police Public Relations Officer in Ebonyi State, SP Joshua Ukandu, has confirmed the incident.
In a statement issued at the weekend, Ukandu explained that the killings occured around 5:00am when the hoodlums lunched attack on police operatives who were posted to duty at Hilltop stop-and search/pin-down point along Nwofe Road, at the outskirts of Abakaliki.
Also read: Ebonyi Police confirm killing of two security guards by gunmen
His words: “Today 08/03/2024 at about 05:00am,
operatives of the Command, who were posted to duty at Hilltop stop-and-search/pin-down point along Nwofe Road, at the outskirts of Abakaliki, were attacked by armed hoodlums suspected to be IPOB/ESN members, who shot sporadically at the operatives.
“The operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, and in the ensuing gun battle, the hoodlums scampered and abandoned a pump action rifle which was recovered. However, four (4) of the operatives paid the supreme price, while two (2) civilians were caught in the crossfire and killed.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi State Police Command, CP Augustina Ogbodo, has dispatched tactical teams of the command to the scene, to trail the fleeing hoodlums.
She also called on the citizens of the state to provide the command with valuable information that could help apprehend the fleeing hoodlums and assured that the command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties in the state.
Recall that, few months ago, some police officers on patrol were recently attacked and killed by unknown gunmen at the same spot.
Police vehicle | File Image
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