Policeman killed, hoodlum gunned down in foiled fresh attack on Police Station in Ebonyi

Nnachi, E.U., Abakaliki

A yet-to-be-identified hoodlum was killed, in the early hours of Sunday, as Policemen repelled fresh attack on its station at Unwana, in the Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, by suspected gunmen.

During the gun duel that ensued between the police and the hoodlums, it was equally gathered that an inspector, attached to the Division, also lost his life.

A community source, who spoke to FamousReporters.com on condition of anonymity, claimed the hoodlums were all masked, when they attempted attacking the police station, at about 2am, on Sunday.

The source said, “They killed a policeman: one inspector and the police killed one of the gunmen. Nobody knows the identity of the gunmen.

“The incident happened around 2am, on Sunday. Nobody knows the route they came from. All we heard was gunshots for about 10 minutes. At the moment, there is no information to know if they destroyed or stole anything from the police station.

“The gunmen were all masked, but the one killed had his face unveiled by the police to ascertain his identity. He also had red clothe tied around his waist, believing to be a charm.”

The Ebonyi State Police Command, confirmed the incident, on Sunday, saying it men equally recovered two AK-47 rifles from the hoodlums.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Loveth Odah, said, “At 0300hrs of today, 24th October 2021, yet-to-be-identified gunmen, suspected to be members of proscribed IPOB/ESN, numbering about thirty-five (35) attacked Unwana Divisional Headquarters, in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, shooting sporadically at the policemen on duty, who immediately repelled the attackers.

“In the gun battle that ensued, one (1) of the hoodlums was killed and two AK-47 rifles/other incriminating items were recovered, while others escaped with bullet injuries.

“Regrettably, one Police Inspector attached to the Division was fatally wounded; while, one other, who was critically injured is responding to treatment in the hospital. The Police facility/operational vehicles are intact.

“Investigation revealed that the deceased suspect had been on the Police wanted list for various attacks on police stations. One of the recovered AK-47 rifles has been identified to be the rifle stolen from the Ohaukwu Police Division, early this month.

“Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Aliyu Garba, has embarked on on-the-spot assessment of the Division and has also ordered a manhunt on the fleeing hoodlums.

“The CP appeals to law-abiding citizens of the state to promptly volunteer useful information to unravel the true identity of the fleeing gang members.”