The Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Garba, on Sunday confirmed the attack on its Uwanna Divisional Headquarters in Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.
Garba lamented that the gunmen, numbering over 35, invaded the headquarters and started shooting sporadically at the policemen on duty.
He regretted that the unknown gunmen killed one Inspector, whose name was yet to be identified at the time filling the report, while one other was critically injured but is responding to treatment in the hospital.
Garba, in a statement signed and forwarded to newsmen by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Loveth Odah, said “Yet-to-be-identified gunmen numbering about 35 attacked Unwana Divisional Headquarters in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shooting sporadically at the policemen on duty, who immediately repelled the attackers.
“The officers on duty during in the gun battle that ensued, one (1) of the hoodlums was killed and two AK47 rifles/other incriminating items were recovered while others escaped with bullet wound injuries.
“Regrettably, one Police Inspector attached to the Division was fatally wounded while one other who is critically injured in responding to treatment in the hospital. The Police Facility/Operational vehicles are intact.”
The commissioner revealed that the deceased suspect had been on the police wanted list for various attacks on police stations adding that “one of the recovered AK-47 rifles has been identified to be the rifle stolen from Ohaukwu Police Division early this month”.
CP Garba however ordered a manhunt of the fleeing hoodlums and called on the citizens of the state to promptly volunteer useful information to unravel the true identity of the fleeing gang members.
Meanwhile, a reliable source who spoke to journalists said the unknown gunmen masked their faces, and that no fewer than three police officers were killed.
According to the source: “They killed 3 policemen: one constable and two inspectors and the police killed one of the gunmen. Nobody knows the identity of the gunmen and police have taken the remains away.
“The incident happened around 2 am. Nobody knows the route they came from. All we heard was gunshots for about 10 minutes. At the moment, there is no information to know if they destroyed or stole anything from the police station.
“The men were masked, but the one killed had his face unveiled by the police to ascertain his identity. He also had red clothe tied around his waist, believing it was a charm.”
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