Unknown gunmen attacked the Awada Police Station in Idemilli North LGA of Anambra State using Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and automatic firearms in the early hours of today February 20.
A statement released by the spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, says operatives attached to state police command engaged the assailants jointly with troops from 302 Artillery Regiment of the Nigeria Army in a gun duel. He said three of the assailants were fatally wounded while three Kalashnikov rifles and one Automatic Pump Action gun were recovered from them.
He added that other items recovered from the assailants include a brown Lexus 330 with reg no. GWA 415BB ABJ, one unregistered KYMCO motorcycle suspected to be stolen properties, charms and other incriminating items.
During a mop-up operation by police/military operatives, two male suspects reasonably believed to have participated in the attack were apprehended. Regrettably, four police operatives paid the supreme price while a section of the station, one police patrol vehicle and three exhibit vehicles parked in the premises were set ablaze by petrol bombs thrown into the station by the assailants.” he said
Tochukwu said the state Commissioner of Police CP Echeng E. Echeng has since visited the incident scene, and after conducting spot assessments, ordered the immediate deployment of all the command’s operational/investigative assets to track down fleeing members of the murderous gang.
He added that the police chief has appealed to residents of Awada and the good people of Anambra State to remain calm as the police, in collaboration with sister agencies, will not rest on its oars until the criminal elements tormenting the state are brought to justice.