Unknown gunmen have launched another unexpected attack on a police checkpoint in Imo State.
The attack, which reportedly happened on Saturday, 20th May, at Okpala Junction, Ngor Okpala LGA, caused the deaths of several officers.
The incident spread fear through the locals as they scampered about for safety, fleeing their homes and businesses.
While the state police authorities have officially verified the deaths of two officers, there are reports from witnesses claiming that seven policemen were fatally shot in the assault.
According to information gathered by our correspondent, upon arrival, the assailants sporadically shot at the officers, killing some of them.
According to one source, “About seven policemen at a checkpoint along Aba Road, Okpala, gunned down by unknown gunmen earlier this morning.
“Police have stationed a massive checkpoint now at Okpala Junction. It is very unfortunate.
Upon contacting the command, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson, confirmed that only two policemen had tragically lost their lives.
During a telephone conversation with our correspondent, Okoye stated that the vigilant officers on duty engaged in a fierce gun battle with the gunmen.
He further mentioned that the assailants abandoned one of their operational vehicles, which has now been recovered by the police. The vehicle was found to have blood stains.
Okoye assured that the command’s operatives have taken control of the area, aiming to restore confidence among the residents and apprehend the suspects. It should be noted that in April, gunmen ambushed and killed five policemen and a couple at the same Okpala junction on the Owerri – Aba Road. Similarly, in March, gunmen attacked and killed five officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.
