Gunmen, yesterday evening, attacked a team of navy personnel on duty at Awkuzu Junction along the Awka – Onitsha Expressway, in Anambra State, reportedly killing one.
This came barely a few months after gunmen attacked officers of the navy who were on duty at the same junction, killing about three.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed that there were shootings in the area, but said that he didn’t have full details of what transpired.
“I can confirm to you that there was a shooting incident at Awkuzu Junction. Our police operatives with other agencies are currently there now. Further information shall be communicated please,”
the PPRO said.
In a related development, gunmen attacked Nnewi Police Area Command and carted away from some arms.
Sources said that there was an exchange of guns fired between the gunmen and the police; and that it lasted for about an hour.
The gunmen were said to have stormed the area in the afternoon with seven vehicles, and upon arrival, opened fire on the police.
Eyewitness in the area said that there was no casualty in the shootout, but added that the gunmen overpowered the police and carted away their arms.
“Even though reinforcements from the navy arrived at the scene shortly after, the gunmen had left before their arrival. Efforts to pursue them were unsuccessful,”
one of the sources said.
The PPRO, Tochukwu, said that he was yet to be briefed on the sad development.