Gunmen attack checkpoints in Rivers, kill policemen, soldiers

Unknown gunmen have attacked military and police checkpoints along the Owerri-Port Harcourt Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area, Rivers State.

It was gathered that the bandits, who launched the attacks at about 8pm on Saturday, killed four policemen and two soldiers.

The bandits were said to have beheaded the soldiers at a military checkpoint close to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa.

It was gathered that the gunmen operated along the Owerri-Port Harcourt Road attacking about four checkpoints during the raid.

They reportedly carted away all the guns and ammunition of the security operatives at the checkpoints.

A source, who spoke in confidence said the bandits also attacked a Nigeria Customs checkpoint at Isiokpo Umuagwa interchange, killed four persons and burnt a customs’ operational vehicle.

The invaders were said to have burnt huts used by security operatives at the checkpoints.

The source said: “It is sad that these rampaging unknown gunmen had infiltrated into Rivers State. Between Elele and Omagwa last night, some policemen and customs officers are feared to have been killed at various checkpoints along that axis last night”.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, confirmed the incident saying he would give details later.