‘Unknown gunmen’ on Monday attacked a Nigeria Police checkpoint at the Obosi Interchange, along the Onitsha-Owerri highway in Anambra State, killing two policemen and burning one patrol vehicle.
Sources confirmed that about 10 policemen were at the checkpoint at the time of the incident, checking vehicles, which caused traffic gridlock in the area that stretched almost two kilometers.
A source noted that the ensuing gunmen attack resulted in pandemonium, forcing the Policemen to vacate the scene, thereby clearing the checkpoint and leading to smooth flow of traffic immediately.
According to the source, “the traffic almost got to Upper Iweka Junction. At a point, it became a no movement situation on both lanes of the road. I was in the traffic when we suddenly heard gunshots and before you knew it, everybody, including the policemen, started running. They shot two policemen dead and burnt their vehicle.
“The place was brutal yesterday . I think their targets were the policemen who mounted a checkpoint, which caused a horrific traffic situation on both lanes, made worse by the ongoing road construction in the area”.
The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ikenga Tochukwu, who confirmed the incident said two policemen were killed.
According to Ikenga, “what happened along the Obosi Idemili flyover is an example of the price we pay as Police officers in service to the nation and humanity. Three of the armed men were demobilized, while two police personnel paid the supreme price. The Police also recovered the rifles of the slain officers. A Lexus SUV, one of the operational vehicles of the armed hoodlums, was also recovered. The operation is still ongoing. Further details shall be communicated.
“The Anambra State Police Command is firm and the personnel are more motivated in providing security services until the current security concern is reduced to the barest minimum and overcome.”