TRAGEDY: GUNMEN KILL FIVE POLICEMEN IN EBONYI

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Suspected hoodlums have shot dead five police operatives at a check point close to Ebyia Bridge, Hill Top Abakaliki in Ebonyi State.

A resident of the area who spoke to Radio Nigeria on the condition of anonymity, explained that the hoodlums launched attack at the check point by 5:30am on Friday and killed the five policemen as well as two females spotted at the scene.

The incident was the second time suspected hoodlums were attacking police operatives at the check point as a similar incident last year left at least three police operatives dead.

Meanwhile Ebonyi State Police Command says a tactical team is on the trail of hoodlums who killed their operatives.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Joshua Ndukwe, explained that four police operatives and two civilians were killed during the attack.

The statement claimed that the operatives engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel, forcing the suspects to abandon a pump action rifle which was recovered.

The statement requested members of the public to volunteer useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU