Unknown gunmen have killed three police officers and injured one at Oshiri Divisional Command, located in Onicha Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, on Wednesday.
Last Monday, armed hoodlums killed one police inspector whose name is yet to be identified and injured two others at the Union Bank roundabout in Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State.
Four police officers have so far been killed by hoodlums in the state within two days, and a total of three officers were seriously injured during the attacks.
Commissioner of Police Faleye Olayele confirmed the attack in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Abakaliki by Ebonyi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Onome Onovwakpoyeya.
According to the statement: “Operatives of the command on stop and search duty at Oshiri Division were attacked by armed hoodlums. Sadly, three policemen lost their lives; one was injured and is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
“Tactical teams were immediately drafted to the area to go after the hoodlums. Consequently, two of the hoodlums were neutralized, and others escaped with bullet wounds.”
According to the police authorities, items recovered from the hoodlums include a Lexus ES-350 model, a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine with seven rounds of ammunition, an SMG rifle and magazine with rounds of ammunition, a pack of hard drugs (SK), charms, juju drums, and chakra musical instruments for shrines.
Olayele appealed to the public to report anyone with bullet wounds or a suspicious character in order to apprehend those still at large.