Five gunmen and a policeman were killed yesterday morning in a shootout at a police station in Anambra State.
The incident, which took place at Nkwelle Ezunaka in Oyi council of the state, came less than 24 hours after two attacks at Ukpo and Ogidi where three policemen were reportedly killed and soldiers injured.
A resident of the area, who put the time of attack at about 3:30am, said the hoodlums were dressed in dark clothing.
“The hoodlums’ arrival at the station followed an intense gunfire exchange between them and police officers at the station. We also saw vehicles at the police station burning.
“The gunfire exchange resulted in the death of one police officer and two of the attackers were killed. One of the attackers is believed to have sustained an injury,” he said.
Police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga said five armed men and one police operative attached to the station were killed during the operation.
He said, “The combined security team, made up of the police and the military, today 19/2/2023 by 5:58 am, neutralised a gang of five armed men, recovered two AK47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg. No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items, in a response to a distress call on an attack at 33 Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA.
“The notorious gang of five, armed with guns, IEDs, and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were resisted by gallant officers attached to the station.
“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 armed men threw inside the station. Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.
“The situation is under control and the incident is still being assessed. Meanwhile, joint operations are still ongoing and further development shall be communicated.”