Gunmen have killed four police operatives and a female Point of Sale (POS) operator.at Irete axis of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
The policemen were attacked at 6 pm at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area.
An eyewitness account said “The security personnel were taken unawares as the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing four and a female POS operator nearby.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Aboki Danjuma, “condemned the attack and gruesome murder” of his men and a civilian.
The command’s sSpokeperson, ASP Henry Okoye, accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.
Okoye said the CP “has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack”.
He said the operatives were ambushed while on a routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.
“They fought gallantly but, unfortunately, four paid the supreme price, while a civilian was fatally hit.
He also said the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment.”
“The CP expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and vowed that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice,” he further stated.
