Five gunmen and a police officer have been confirmed dead following a gun battle that took place on Sunday morning, February 19, at a police station in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Nation reported that a resident of the area said the hoodlums came in their numbers and were dressed in “dark” clothing during the attack that occurred around 3:30am.
The resident said;
“The hoodlums arrival to the station followed a gun fire exchange between them and police officers at the station. We heard gun fire. It was intense. We also saw vehicles at the police station burning.
“The gun fire exchange resulted in the death of one police officer and two of the attackers were killed. One of the attackers is believed to have sustained an injury.”
Confirming the incident, Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said five armed men and one police operative attached to the station were killed during the operation.
Ikenga further revealed that an office in the facility was partially affected while one patrol vehicle in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.
He said;
“The combined security team, made up of the Police and the military, today 19/2/2023 by 5:58 am, neutralized a gang of five armed men, recovers two Ak47 rifles, one Toyota Sienna vehicle with Reg No Abuja ABC 848 EQ, charms and other incriminating items, in a response to a distress call on an attack at 3 3 Police Divisional Headquarters, Nkwelle-Ezunaka, Oyi LGA.
“The notorious gang of five, armed with guns, IEDs, and petrol bombs, started shooting indiscriminately to gain entrance to the station and were engaged and resisted by gallant officers attached to the station.
“During the gun duel, unfortunately, one police operative attached to the station was fatally wounded and an office in the facility was partially affected by the petrol bomb the armed men threw inside the station. Also, one patrol vehicle parked in front of the station was set ablaze by the gunmen.
“The situation is under control and the incident is still being assessed. Meanwhile, Joint operations are still ongoing and further development shall be communicated.”
The attack is coming less than 24 hours after two attacks were recorded at Ukpo and Ogidi where three policemen were reportedly killed and soldiers injured.