Gunmen kill two police officers in Anambra, burn their vehicles

Gunmen on Saturday attacked a police checkpoint at the Idemili-Obosi Interchange on the Onitsha-Owerri Road, Anambra State, killing two policemen and burning the cops’ patrol vehicle.

PUNCH Metro gathered that about 10 policemen were at the checkpoint when the incident happened.

When our correspondent visited the scene on Sunday, he observed that the checkpoint had been cleared.

There was also free movement of vehicles as the remains of the cops were said to have been deposited in a morgue.

A tricycle operator, who identified himself simply as Okwuchukwu, said the police checkpoint created gridlock on the road.

He said, “The traffic almost got to Upper Iweka Junction. At a point, it became a no movement situation on both lanes of the road.

“I was in the traffic when we suddenly heard gunshots and before you knew it, everybody, including the policemen, started running. They shot two policemen dead and burnt their vehicle.”

Another passerby, who did not mention her name, said, “This place was brutal yesterday (Saturday). I think their targets were the policemen who mounted a checkpoint, which caused a horrific traffic situation on both lanes, made worst by the ongoing road construction and that is the reason this road is very free today because there is no checkpoint.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday, said two policemen were killed.

He said, “What happened on Saturday around 5.20pm along the Obosi Idemili flyover is an example of the price we pay as police officers in service to the nation and humanity.

“Three of the armed men were demobilised, while two police personnel paid the supreme price. The police also recovered the rifles of the slain officers. A Lexus SUV, one of the operational vehicles of the armed hoodlums, was also recovered. The operation is still ongoing. Further details shall be communicated.

“The Anambra State Police Command is firm and the personnel are more motivated in providing security services until the current security concern is reduced to the barest minimum and overcome.” (The PUNCH: Excludes headline)