ANAMBRA: Gunmen kill four naval men, three policemen in Ukacha, others

THERE was pandemonium in some parts of the state yesterday following the gruesome killings of four naval men and three policemen

The security agents were said to have been ambushed and murdered in the course of their duties by some gunmen.

It was learnt that the hoodlums killed three policemen at Ukacha Junction, Neni, in the Anaocha Local Government Area of the state, while their patrol vehicle was burnt.

The four naval men were reportedly killed at Awkuzu, in the Oyi LGA of the state.

According to a source, the naval and police officers were not just killed but the hoodlums also carted away their firearms.

The source added that the criminals also set ablaze the patrol vehicle of the police.

“The gunmen rampaged Awkuzu Junction and killed the naval officers on duty and carted away their firearms.

The four naval men were on duty at the junction when the hoodlums attacked them around 2pm.

“A similar thing happened moments ago at Neni, just before Oraukwu. Police officers were killed and their weapons were taken from them. Their vehicle was also set ablaze.”the source said.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack on the policemen, but said only one person died.

He said, “The hoodlums, numbering over 20 in three Sienna vehicles and motorcycles, engaged the policemen in a gun duel, which lasted for over 30 minutes before reinforcements from the state headquarters forced the hoodlums to escape.

“As a result, two police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to a hospital for medical attention, where one was confirmed dead.”

The State Police Command, however, said only one officer was killed by the hoodlums.