TheCable

Gunmen have killed two police officers in an attack at Okpala junction in Ngor-Okpala LGA of Imo state.

A resident of the community who witnessed the incident told TheCable that the gunmen stormed the junction in the early hours of Saturday and shot sporadically at the Okpala police checkpoint.

The resident said the gunmen operated on a motorbike, but after shooting the policemen hurriedly zoomed off to an unknown destination.

“The gunmen took the policemen unawares and opened fire on them while they were on duty at Okpala junction,” he said.

“This is the same junction where seven policemen were shot dead about three weeks ago. This junction has become a danger zone. The government of Imo state needs to do something drastic about it because it is the lead way to the only airport we have in the state.”

Henry Okoye, Imo police spokesperson, confirmed to TheCable that two police officers were killed by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), while another officer is fighting for his life at the hospital.

“Two of our officers gallantly fell during a gun battle with hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN,” he said.

“One of our officers was injured and is now in the hospital receiving treatment. 

“Our men gave the hoodlums a hot chase and one of their vehicles was recovered but the hoodlums escaped and are still on the run. 

“The commissioner of police has ordered that serious investigation should commence and the whereabouts of the hoodlums must be discovered and they must be arrested.”

The command spokesperson added that normalcy has been returned to the community, noting that the police are relentless in arresting the criminals.