Gunmen, on Monday, July 29, 2024, struck at Irete axis of the Owerri-Onitsha expressway in Imo State, killing four police officers and a female Point of Sale (PoS) operator.

It was gathered that the policemen were attacked while on duty at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday.

An eyewitness, who declined to be named, disclosed that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m.

The eyewitness said: “The security personnel were taken unawares as the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing four and a female PoS operator nearby.

“It was a terrible situation as people around ran for their safety when they heard the gunshots.

“The horrifying event has left the Irete community in shock and mourning.”

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It was further gathered that the gunmen fled the scene after the attack, leaving the victims in the pool of their own blood.

It also learnt that the gunmen shot severally at the patrol van and its tyres to prevent any surviving security personnel from using it to chase them.

Confirming the incident, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, condemned the attack and accused the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.

Danjuma, in a statement issued on Monday by the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Henry Okoye, said he has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to “go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack”.

Okoye noted: “They fought gallantly but, unfortunately, four paid the supreme price, while a civilian was fatally hit.

“On receipt of the unfortunate incident, the CP immediately mobilised to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incident.”

He added that the remains of the deceased had been evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment”.

The Star