Gunmen have killed no fewer than three police officers following an attack on the police checkpoint along the Umunze-Ihite Road in Orumba South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the gunmen, in large numbers, invaded the police checkpoint on Thursday, May 4, and opened fire on the officers.

It was further learned that three policemen died on the spot while others escaped after a gun battle with the assailants.

An eyewitness, who declined to be named, disclosed that the gunmen fired several gunshots in the air to scare residents of the area.

READ ALSO: Gunmen kill 5 policemen, couple in Imo

“The incident happened early in the morning. Three policemen were killed by the gunmen. They fired gunshots in the air for several minutes as people ran away because bullets were flying around here,” the eyewitness said.

Confirming the incident, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said killing is one of the highest prices security officers pay in serving their nation.

Ikenga added that police operatives have been deployed to the area, saying a manhunt for the gunmen was ongoing.

“It is an unfortunate incident and it is part of the highest price security officers pay in serving the nation but the police command is not deterred by this development.

“The reinforcements teams are already in the area and the manhunt for the assailants is ongoing while joint security patrols have been intensified in the area,” the police spokesperson said.

The Star