TheCable

A police officer has been killed following an attack on a police checkpoint in Enugu state.

The incident was said to have occurred on Friday morning in Umanu, Nsukka LGA.

A patrol vehicle belonging to the police was also set ablaze by the assailants.

A resident in the area told NAN that locals began hearing gunshots around 6:20am, adding that the lifeless body of the police officer was seen after the gunmen left the area.

“I quickly rushed to my doors to ensure that all of them are well locked,” a resident was quoted as saying.

“I switched off all electric lights in my house and told my wife and children to keep quiet because I thought it was armed robbers.

“They said the policeman was killed during gun duel between police team on checkpoint and the gunmen.”

Daniel Ndukwe, police spokesperson in Enugu, confirmed the attack but said information about the incident is hazy.

“Yes, there was an attack on police operatives in Nsukka today,” he said.

“The details are still sketchy. I will communicate with you once I get the details.”

In recent months, residents, including security operatives in the south-east, have been targeted by gunmen, with Anambra and Imo reporting most of such incidents.